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50 years after first being published, A Wrinkle in Time is still a top-selling book for both children and adults. Why? What is it about this story that continues to captivate readers of all ages? After all, it has a very specific, though subtle, historical context: Meg does math homework using paper and pencil, sans calculator (48-49). Calvin calls home on a land line (46). Charles Wallace wears Dr. Dentons (12).
In spite of these details, WIT feels surprisingly contemporary in many respects. For this blog post, first identify one thing that dates the book (language, detail, attitude, etc.) being sure to reference it by page number. Then, and most importantly, identify some element of the book (whether a theme, character, or other) that transcends the boundaries of America-in-the-early-60s and offer an explanation for its timelessness.
Be sure to reference the text directly. You may respond to other comments as long as you also include your own original thoughts.
Comments should be about 250 words, articulate, thoughtful, and error-free. Due by MIDNIGHT, 28 Tuesday October.
If a person reading A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle didn’t know the time period in which this book was written, it could be hard to figure it out at times. Evidence to the fact that it does not take place in modern-day times is seen through references to “the furnace purr[ing] like a great, sleepy animal” (p. 16), and “the radio saying it was a hurricane” (p. 20). Today, we don’t tend to heat our homes with a furnace, nor do we generally get information through the radio. The language could also indicate toward the time period, especially the way Charles Wallace speaks. The children often refer to each other as “moron[s]” (p. 46), which nowadays might be offensive to some people and is not a term heard in everyday conversation. However, someone might also be able to argue that the book is more modern by the continuous references to advanced science and the extensive knowledge the characters seem to have of the world. There is also the aspect of the supernatural and a futuristic feel to some parts of the book, such as when Meg, Charles Wallace, Calvin, and the three old women travel through the fifth dimension to other planets. This advanced sort of thinking might contribute to the argument that the book was written in modern times.
ReplyDeleteSome of the language used in A Wrinkle in Time lets the readers know that it is an older book. In the beginning of the book Meg describes her bed as a “rickety brass bed” (9), which is not something most people have in their bedrooms today. Another term L’Engle uses is “postmistress” (11) which isn’t heard very often in laymen’s vocabulary currently. The language in A Wrinkle in Time isn’t hard to comprehend, however it does hint that it is a bit older than say the Twilight series. L’Engle uses what is now considered “dated” language seldom, yet it still reveals itself throughout the book.
ReplyDeleteI believe one reason A Wrinkle in Time remains timeless is because of the unending battle between light and dark. There are very few books that do not contain at least somewhat of a conflict between good and evil. Though the fight between good and evil occurs often, every book portrays this message in a different way, bringing new light to the situation. A Wrinkle in Time, for instance, doesn’t show good and evil as particular people, but rather a dark shadow (evil) that is cast over the earth which contains the good. It is the story of good versus evil that continually captivates readers because there is something about the feeling one gets after finishes a novel where good has dominated evil yet again.
Madedeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time still holds up very well today despite the book having been written in 1962. With some effort, however, we can find some of the language or euphemisms that are not so common anymore which can help us date the book. In the first chapter, there are rumors that a tramp (20) is roaming about the town. Currently, the word tramp has fallen out of common use. Rather than tramp we may say that the person is a drifter or homeless. Also when Meg loses her temper at Mr. Jenkins office, she is told by Mr. Jenkins to “stop bellowing” (32). This is another part of the vocabulary used by L’Engle which has become slightly outdated.
ReplyDeleteDespite the few pieces of the language that have lately fallen out of style, this book still resonates with both adults and children today. I believe it is because this book follows the beloved Hero’s Journey. Chapters 1-6 cover most of the first third of the Hero’s journey which is the Departure. Within the Departure, our hero, Meg, is called to go on an adventure with the supernatural aid of Mrs. Whatsit. They cross the threshold onto the planet Uriel and there we begin to see the metamorphosis of our heroes. One reason that the Hero’s Journey is so timeless is that its origins lie with some of the oldest tales known to humanity such as Beowulf; however, it is also still used in all its permutations today in books and today such as the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and even Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.
There were numerous times when I was reading L’Engle’s novel that I marked phrases or words that dated the book to the time of its publication. Even on the first page, L’Engle uses words such as “frenzied” and “scudded” (p.1), which are words that are not commonly used today. Mr. Jenkins tells Meg to “stop bellowing” on page 32, which also dates the book because very few people refer to yelling as “bellowing.” The way in which Mr. Jenkins scolds Meg also alludes to the time the book was written because he calls her “the most belligerent, uncooperative child in school” (p.32). If a principal were to address a student in this manner at this time, the principal would be fired, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a court hearing for emotionally scarring a student. Mrs. Murry helps depict the time in which the book was written when she talks about giving Meg “a typewriter for Christmas” (p. 50). We now have computers are portable and we can access the internet through a phone that fits in our palms.
ReplyDeleteThough the times, technology, and language we used may have changed, "A Wrinkle in Time" is considered a timeless novel because of its underlying love story, futuristic science ideas, and the common, everyday characters. Meg and Calvin are characters in which the reader can relate to. Meg is the freshman “with braces, glasses, and mouse-brown hair” (p. 10) that develops a crush on the popular basketball player of whom she believes would never notice her. Most girls can relate to this because they have all felt awkward at some point in their lives. Most people can relate to developing a crush on someone that they would consider to be “out of their league.” As their love story develops throughout the novel, we find that Calvin is supportive when Meg needs him; this makes him to be the “prince charming” that most girls dream about from the time they are little. The futuristic idea that L’Engle writes about is one that to many, could be possible, because there are still many things that we do not know about, and at this time, the supernatural is intriguing. If we just look at the popular books and movies, Twilight, Harry Potter, Ghost Whisperer, etc. The list could go on, but the main point is that people are intrigued and interested in the supernatural, which is yet another reason the book is considered timeless.
The reason why, A Wrinkle In Time, is so timeless is the simple fact that it’s themes and character’s traits are timeless. On page four we see that Meg, desires a typewriter to get around her “dreadful,” penmanship. The fact that she wants a typewriter instead of a Macbook Pro, tells the readers that this book is dated and not written from a modern perspective. I think that Meg is part of the reason the book remains timeless. In class we discussed how books today have more strong main characters that can overcome almost anything. Those characters in modern books are popular because they are the people we strive to be. Meg is a character that a lot of readers can relate to. No matter what, everyone had an awkward stage at some point in their life. Meg is a perfect example of what it felt like to be in the awkward stage and not having a true sense of belonging. She has glasses, has freckles, she looks and feels out of place. I find that when I am reading the book, I am attracted and drawn into the fact that Meg is not perfect. She is real. It brings me back to the times that I felt awkward with the way I look. I can feel what she is feeling. It feels like I have a connection to her in a way. I believe the fact that this is also true for a lot of other readers is why the book is so timeless. It will be interesting to see if modern book such as, Twilight are as timeless as WIT.
ReplyDeleteAs I’ve been reading through the book, it has felt like a setting that would be found in today’s time period. You have to read very carefully to find the few scattered descriptions of Meg’s life that point to this book being in fact written in 1962. One place I noticed this dating of the book was when Calvin said to Meg “well, you know what, you’ve got dream-boat eyes” (p.61). This dream-boat comment reminds me of a Cary Grant movie or an old movie from the 1950s or 60s. Also, the general demeanor and family dynamics of the Murray family with their proper language isn’t too common in families today. For example, Charles Wallace asks his mom Mrs. Murry if she wanted a sandwich and said “I’ll be happy to make you one” (p.15).
ReplyDeleteOne reason this book still remains timeless though is the experiences and issues that every generation deals with. For example, Meg was frustrated with school (starting on page 7), which nearly every person can relate to in one way or the other. Also, society has to cope with the reality of single mothers (Mrs. Murry “sleeping alone” on page 11 and Meg’s father being gone on page 8). Single mothers have been on the rise due to the ever increasing divorce rate and many women are left to take care of children by themselves. Finally, a good number of people can remember the fear of storms as a child (Meg on page 7). These common things that bind us all together help make this book a true timeless piece of work.
During the first few chapters of WIT there was a few things in the text that jumped out at me and helped me realize that the story was taking place in the past. On page 9 Meg makes a reference to her brass bed. This seemed to help date the book for me because my grandparents have always has a brass bed. As soon as I read this I seems to picture my grandmother when she was a child sitting on an old brass bed. The second part of the book that helped me date it was on page 10 when she referenced the wide old wood floor boards. People no longer seem to respect wood floors like they did in the past and something about the wood floors made me think of the past.
ReplyDeleteThe part of the book that seemed to be timeless to me was in chapter one when Meg, Charles Wallace, and their mother sit in the kitchen and make a snack together. This activity they did together was something I'm sure happened in the sixties and I know happens in today's world. I was really able to connect with the book during this timeless activity in the book.
Since the main characters of the story are children, there are many things said about their everyday lifestyle that really dates the book. Meg and the twins get into fights with other school students. The book talks about it like it is an everyday activity but now a days at school there is more severe punishment and consequences for it than just seeing the principal. The twins mentioned fighting others twice on pages 8 and 30 in order to stick up for their family.
ReplyDeleteThe toys Meg and her siblings play with are even dated. On page 11 when Meg is walking down from the attic she runs into her old dolls’ house, a rocking horse, and an electric train. These are certainly not the same toys young kids play with today. Toys have become much more advance.
Even the topics of education were different. At the time there was a huge involvement of the U.S. with Nicaragua. The U.S. was starting to produce goods and export them from Nicaragua at the time and that’s why Meg was asked in her history class to name the exports (page 30). And on page 49 Meg is helping Calvin with math homework. Though Meg is very smart and finds better techniques to help her solve equations, the school forces her to do the one and only taught method. In today’s classes students are able to consider different ways of comprehending something if they can still get the proper answer. Yet, in the 60s the schooling was very strict of students following every concept of the book with no chance forming new ideas.
This story remains relevant to today’s people because even though some things have become outdated the story and characters are still relatable. All kids love their parents even if at times they have strong distaste towards them. To track after a lost father would be a common thought children would come to especially if fact hadn’t proven his disappearance. The story is fictional but throughout the book, like pages 85-88 when they speak of the science behind a tesseract, facts make the story seem even slightly possible which helps drag the reader in. If it were too farfetched of an idea then the reader would deny its possibility and be put off from reading the rest of the story.
When you first read through A Wrinkle In Time it’s hard to find things that give you an idea of the time period it was written in. However as you reread sections you start to notice little details. There are just some things about the speech patterns that define the time period. You don’t really notice it at first, but when you’re looking it stands out. For example, in the conversation between Meg and Calvin when they are sitting outside and just talking on page 61, Calvin makes the comment that Meg has “dreamboat eyes.” This is clearly not something heard in our generation, and I imagine if a guy said that today the girl may fall over laughing. It’s a great compliment, but sayings like that just aren’t a part of society anymore. It almost makes me think of something you’d hear in the show Happy Days.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes the book timeless is simply the content. It has something that almost everybody can relate to. Meg is feeling like an outsider and a mistake, which everybody has felt at some time or another. There is the constant battle between light and dark, which captivates nearly every reader who picks up a book. There’s some futuristic technology, like faster than light travel and the extra dimensions we haven’t discovered yet. And last is the supernatural, how Mrs. Whatsit and her friends seem to have some strange powers, and then we find out that Mrs. Whatsit herself used to be a star. Logically, we know that this shouldn’t be possible, but in the context of the book we accept it to be true because we want to believe the world that is being shown to us.
Although subtle, there are several details in A Wrinkle in Time that would suggest its age, most of which are given early in the book. Mr. & Mrs. Murry wrote each other letters (58-59) and Meg mentions a telegram (59). Recent technology has given us more efficient and quick methods of communication than physical, handwritten mail, and telegrams are probably an unknown concept to today's youth. In Camazotz, the children see a young boy riding something similar to a bicycle and delivering papers (120), while in modern times, papers are typically delivered by an adult in a car.
ReplyDeleteHowever, despite the few instances of outdated terminology and references that associate the book to its time, most of the concepts in WIT are not limited to the early 60's. Time travel is an idea that still isn't quite within our reach and despite being written fifty years ago, it maintains a futuristic angle. This otherworldly approach is reinforced by the creative "tessering" form of space travel. L'Engle also includes many scientific aspects, such as the discussion of the various dimensions (87-88) and the application of quantum theory to rearranging atoms (154). These are all ideas which are highly unlikely to change without an extraordinary and unexpected new discovery. By using a combination of elements with an indefinite history and supernatural concepts, L'Engle was able to create and preserve a perspective unrestricted by the boundaries of time.
While reading L’Engle’s novel I wasn’t focusing on the time period it was written in and there was nothing that screamed to me it was written in the 60’s. However, once we started talking about it in class I went back through the book and started realizing there were some hints that this was written before my time. On page four it talks about how Meg wants a typewriter, this clearly dates it, because people want top-notch laptops or iPads now, there aren’t many uses for typewriters anymore. While going through to reread this looking at it from this perspective, I also noticed that the principle of Meg’s school treats her very poorly using language that would not be acceptable in today’s society.
ReplyDeleteI feel as if I didn’t realize the time frame in which this book was written because of the main theme behind it. Meg is a teenage girl who feels out of place, she is going through her awkward stage, which is something most people can relate to. Another aspect of the book that makes it timeless is the fact that it has somewhat of a love story to it. Meg develops a crush on Calvin, who is a popular boy in school, most girls can relate to this while going through their adolescent years. Books that are popular in recent years are love stories about an awkward girl falling in love with a guy who is what most think to be out of her reach. Having this aspect to the book makes it a timeless novel.
In A Wrinkle in Time, I believe that the language used in here really dates the book. In the beginning, a girl at Meg’s school basically tells Meg that she asks like a “grammar-school kid” (8). That word isn’t used very often; nowadays it is termed as Kindergarten, Preschool, or Elementary school. There are several other examples such as, when the word “postmistress” is used (32). A postmistress is supposedly a women or secretary who is in charge of a post office. I didn’t really notice this word at first because I just scanned over it, but after reading the chapter again, I realized that the word “postmistress” wasn’t a word I recognized or had ever heard of. One small language detail that I think dates the book is when the word “mother” and “father” are used (27, 15). I feel like most people these days just call their parents, mom and dad.
ReplyDeleteDespite the fact how the language used dates the book, I believe that the theme of science and new discoveries really makes this book timeless. Even today, we are finding something new in our world. Whether it deals with medical discoveries or finding new living organisms, our world is constantly changing. I think that is a huge theme in A Wrinkle in Time that allows readers (whether they are readers from the 1960s or readers from the 21st century) to relate to their own environment and what is happening in their society now. Back in the 1960s, when this book was published/written, science was finding new things that explain certain phenomenon. Today, we are also constantly searching for and finding new explanations to clarify what we know and what we think is true. An example from this book is time traveling. When Meg, Charles, and Calvin travel to the different dimensions, it was basically them time traveling (85-87). Even today, we do not really know how to fully explain or even know if time traveling is actually real. By using this theme throughout the book, Madeleine L’Engle was able to produce a timeless story.
Being my first time reading A Wrinkle in Time and discussing it in class I am still surprised when I hear that it was wrote in the early 60's. After looking through the book more in depth I found that there are a few details that date the book to it's origin. For example a girl comments "After all Meg, we aren't grammar-school kids anymore" (8). In today's society kids do not refer to grammar-school anymore, it is known as elementary or primary school. Another example is when they refer to the possible homeless their as a "tramp" (10+) and when Meg talks about the "postmistress" (11). These are terms that are either not common today or have a different meaning now. A tramp today has a different connotation than it appeared to in the 60's. Besides the language in the book other details can gives away historical context. One of the details that is mentioned is the food they ate the night of the storm. Charles Wallace fixes a "liverwurst-and-cream-cheese sandwich" (15) for his mother and "Russian caviar" (23) for Mrs. Whatsit. In a book written today the author would refer to a ham and cheese sandwich or something of the sort, but since this was wrote in the 60's you can see that this was the popular choice. Besides the minor details one has to look into the depths of the book to pick up on the novel can pass as contemporary. Even after 50 years the "futuristic" ideas of the fifth dimension and such still captures the attention of people of all ages today. The theme of there being more to this world than what we see is what I believe has kept this novel around. In the 60's people were talking about space and life on other planets. Today we do not know that much more than we did then. I believe that the unknown possibilities still when it comes to space and the ideas/adventures L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time unfold are the reasons this book stays contemporary today.
ReplyDeleteA Wrinkle in Time may always be a classic novel because it has a captivating story line for all ages. Adults can read it and connect to it literally. Whereas, children that read it may just fall in love with the space theme. This story has a love plot, adventure plot, and even some mystery in it. I feel that’s why it will continue to be a great read for everyone. Another factor that may play a part is that it is an easy ready; the words are not difficult for younger children to understand. Also, it is not so easy that adults get bored with the book.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few key items that stick out and make this book seem old, but it was not so long ago that people will not know what the author is talking about. On page 7, Meg talks about how she is in her bedroom which is in the attic. Today, I do not know of anyone that has a bedroom in the attic. Many new and modern houses do not have big enough or finished attics that children are able to sleep in. Meg started to help Calvin with his math homework. He had a sheet of paper that he pulled out of his pocket (pg 49). Today many students, even in high school, do their math homework online. They do not carry sheets of paper in their pockets.
One thing that has started to stick out to me is that Meg is now in charge of two boys. She is telling them what to do and what she thinks. This is unusual because many women did not tell men what to do, and they certainly did not take control of a situation. Another theme that is out of the element is that many girls were not supposed to be good in the sciences. Many men believed that women should only go to school to learn how to become a housewife. In A Wrinkle in Time, the mother is a Biologist and Bacteriologist and Meg is very good in Mathematics. Both of these themes transcends the time period of the book. They will continue to be timeless themes because women are become more and more involved in the work force. Also, they have been climbing the corporate leaders. This book shows that women can be strong, smart, and in charge of what they know is right.
One detail that dates this book in the first few pages is when Meg talked about the tramp that stole bed sheets from Mrs. Buncombe. Meg had gone to the post office to pick up the mail (10). In the present, people rarely take trips to the post office. Some hardly receive mail from their mailboxes on the side of the road. Almost everything we need is online. A majority of post office trips now are for sending and receiving packages that are too big to go through a mailbox. The use of mail has transformed since the 1960’s because of the Internet and its use of email along with social networks.
ReplyDeleteOne of the main reasons this book transcends its boundaries from when it was written is the fact that many of the themes are based off of things humankind hasn’t even discovered yet. Wrinkling through space along with the fifth dimension is some of the advanced technology. The supernatural creatures Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which with their extraordinary powers are another example of the surpassing of American boundaries at the time. This story is timeless because anyone in any generation can enjoy the ideas written in this book. Since outer space has not been explored a great deal past our milky way, anyone can enjoy reading about the battles between light and dark. Another example of its timelessness is the relationship that develops between Meg and Calvin. All generations can enjoy a small love story within the adventure of A Wrinkle in Time.
Madeline L’Engles’, “A Wrinkle in Time,” is simply a timeless book. L’Engle was able to create a book that would be read for many years after the publication. One factor that helped keep her book so popular was that she was able to write a present day book. In order to know that the book was written in 1962, you have to keep a close eye for words that were used back in that time. One example of this is when Mrs Whatsit is speaking to Mrs. Murry. Mrs Whatsit states, “Oh, thank you, dearie, but there’s so much to do I just can’t waste time sitting about frivoling” (page 26). In my opinion, there are two examples in this sentence. The word dearie is not very common now a day. Also, when speaking about being carefree most people do not say “sitting about frivoling.” Another factor that made me think that this book is dated is how Meg is very self conscious. Meg believes that she needs a man to make herself feel more confident. Although this is sometimes common in books today and still stands out in my mind. Women are beginning to become the heroes in book. Few girl protagonist need to have a man to stay confident.
ReplyDelete“A Wrinkle in Time” stays a timeless book because of the love story and the adventure that is happening throughout the book. When I speak of a love story, I don’t only mean a love story between Calvin and Meg. I also mean the love that Meg shares with her family. When Charles Wallace is taken over by IT, you can feel how terrified and sad Meg is. Meg loves her family more than she loves anything. The whole story is one big adventure for the characters. Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace take a big adventure to another dimension. Meg goes on her own adventure while she is discovering that she doesn’t need a man to make herself happy. She can be confident on her own. A Wrinkle in Time is also a book that young girls can relate to. Meg is a relatable girl. She is an average student with an average look. L’Engle did not set up Meg to be some beautiful and rich girl. Madeline L’Engle was able to keep her audience intrigued with “A Wrinkle in Time.” When reading “A Wrinkle in Time,” I can’t help but think what modern books are going to be as timeless.
Some of the wording like the word tramp in the first chapter. Today most people probably wouldn’t call someone a tramp (20), more like to call them something harsher than that unlike in the 1960’s. Another thing that dates this book is the way they talk. Mrs. Whatsit on page 22 says “Charmed, I’m sure.” When I saw this I laughed a bit because I see an older man in a nice tuxedo (like James Bond) saying this to a person in a cocky sort of way. No one I know says that unless they want to be funny.
ReplyDeleteA Wrinkle in Time is very different when it comes to the concept of time/space travel because at the time no one had been to the moon just yet. I haven’t read too many books that date back this far that is fiction. So seeing this concept of time/space travel this early is different from other books I have read of magic, vampires, gangs, and other things. I think since this was unexplored area of fiction that it made it special enough that it lasted since the 60’s. To compare it to one of my favorite (British) TV show Doctor Who which started in 1964 is the longest running Science Fiction shows ever and it also has to do with time/space travel. I believe that people want it to be true so when it is not they read it (or watch it in some cases.) –Paige Landis
This is my first time reading A Wrinkle In Time. To be honest, I was surprised to hear that the book was written nearly fifty years ago. However, the 60s are often referred to as the “swinging sixties” because social and gender roles began to relax; this is perhaps why A Wrinkle In Time has remained a timeless story. There are however some objects mentioned in A Wrinkle In Time that seem to put a date on the book. Early on in the story, Meg’s mom mentions wanting to buy her daughter a “typewriter” for Christmas (50). Typewriters are an object of the past. They have long been replaced by computers with word processing software. In addition, the use of a telegram is mentioned, which is also an object that is no longer used today (59). Despite the references to outdated objects, A Wrinkle In Time is a story that everyone can still relate to and enjoy. I believe that this story has remained timeless because the protagonist, Meg is easy to relate to. Meg struggles with school, following the rules, and her looks. I have struggled with these things at many points in my life, as I’m sure most others have. Meg’s struggles make her relatable, which keeps A Wrinkle In Time relevant to readers today.
ReplyDeleteThough A Wrinkle in Time does not necessarily strike one as a dated novel, there are a few clues that give way for one to come to the conclusion that the book came out of a time period decades before the present. One of these clues that I found while reading can be found on page 132, where Meg describes a room lined with machines as, “not unlike the great computing machines [she] had seen in her science books and that she knew her father sometimes worked with.” Considering today’s computers are pretty small, this description certainly dates the book back to the times when computers were the size of large rooms and punch cards were used. In fact, Meg even describes the machines as eating long lines of tape and punching dots and dashes.
ReplyDeleteDespite these clues that date A Wrinkle in Time, there are still many aspects of the story that transcend the time when it was written. One such aspect is the great inner struggle that Meg battles through regarding her insecurities. As discussed in class, it is somewhat different to see a protagonist who has such great insecurities about herself and is not necessarily comfortable in her own skin. This is a transcending quality of the novel because this struggle is something that most everyone deals with not only in growing up, but also is what many times is dealt with in adulthood. For this reason, A Wrinkle in Time also transcends age groups as well as the already mentioned time periods.
It is not apparent that the story, A Wrinkle in Time was written around the 1960s. The reader has to follow closely to find references to items, beverage items and method of preparation that indicate when the book was written. The first clue to the time period is when Meg says, “I put some milk on the stove for you.” (13) We find out later that she is making cocoa with the hot milk. In modern times, we rarely use a stove to heat up milk, since microwaves and other modern technologies are available. The process of boiling milk manually with a stove, then mixing in chocolate is inefficient when we have the option of making instant hot cocoa with water in the microwave The food in this story also indicates the time period. When Mrs. Murry, the protagonist’s mother, comes into the kitchen, Charles Wallace Mrs. Murry’s son asks her, “Would you like a liverwurst-and cream-cheese sandwich?” (15) Today, liverwurst is not a very common food item to come across. Now a day, when people hear liverwurst, they general assume it is food item that would be found overseas.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to pick up on a time period because Meg, Charles Wallace and Cal travel to a whole other place where we are not expected to know what time period it is in. All we are given are description such as “fairly tall, rectangular buildings, absolutely plain, each window, each entrance exactly like every other.” (119) From the descriptions, the reader is not able to gather any clues to when the book is set because Camazotz is imaginary; it is not set in a time.
Even though I have read “A Wrinkle in Time” more than once, I find the style and plot to be rather modern. I personally think this has to with L’Engle’s use of language. Although this is a children’s book, she chooses words that tailor to someone with a larger vocabulary, like “prodigious” (p. 16), which is Charles Wallace’s word of the day, “peremptory” (p. 43), or “precipitously” (p. 111). This not only challenges children with words they have never encountered before, but allows adults the pleasure of not having to read a book filled with small words and simple sentences. The context these words are used in also helps younger readers to decipher their definition.
ReplyDeleteThere are several instances, however, where language does date the book. For me, the best example is the word “lamb” (p. 27). It is just not a word commonly used today. Use of the word “moron” (first appearing on p. 29) is rather uncommon in today’s vocabulary as well. Instead of “constable” (p. 10), we would say “sheriff” or “police chief”.
The theme of love is also vital in the books appeal to readers of all ages. L’Engle has managed to include characters from every age group that show or are in need of love. Charles Wallace is a young child who loves his family and is loved by them. As Charles and Meg walk through the woods, Charles grasps Meg’s hand and she reflects, “Charles loves me at any rate” (p. 35). Meg is a pre-pubescent girl who is also loved by her family. When fearful about entering the haunted house, Meg is supported by Calvin and the dog and the book says, “Happiness at their concern was so strong in her that her panic fled…” (p. 41). Calvin is a teenage boy who is looking to be loved. “You don’t know how lucky you are to be loved,” Calvin says to Meg after seeing her family. Mrs. Murray is a grown woman who loves her children and her husband. While talking to Meg, she says, “And I’m still very much in love with your father. I miss him quite dreadfully.” (p. 53). The three witches, even, talk about how they adore Charles Wallace, “Why, Charlsie, my pet!” (p. 42). The need to be loved and to be loved in return is a timeless human want. As long as there are families and groups, people are going to want to belong. Humans are social beings. We feed off of interactions with others, positive interactions in particular. We crave them. Since “A Wrinkle in Time” includes so many of these different kinds of love, it can be seen as timeless.
The time period in which this book is written is buried within subtle clues in the text, such as references to a “tramp” (20) and a “typewriter” (50). Despite these elusive hints, the book’s setting is one that could be from any time period. The biggest indication that the book was indeed written in the 60’s is the tone in which the book is written. Spoken language at that time was laced with more formality than it is today. The polite way in which every statement is said is not something that is found in a present-day American household. One good example is a quote of Mrs. Murray, ‘“Now,” she called, “I’ll finish this up properly on the stove.”’ (48). Nowadays, people do not refer to cooking dinner as something you must “finish up properly”. Simple phrases such as, “that would be lovely” and “no trouble at all” used by Mrs. Murray and Charles Wallace exhibit the conventionalism that was present in the 60’s but has slowly faded with time (15).
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a few timeless battles that are being fought throughout the text. These include the battle between darkness and light, a journey for the greater good, and the contrasts between young and old. However, the most timeless battle is being fought by Meg and that is the struggle to find and embrace your own identity and individuality. In the very beginning of the book Meg is fighting a battle between who she is and what “society” wants her to be. She refers to herself as a “biological mistake” (61) and wishes she “could be a different person” (60). However, as she was challenged by IT, “it was to her faults that she turned to save herself” (176). She prevented herself from relinquishing to IT’s hold by realizing and embracing that individuality was a gift.
There are a number of concepts and words used in the book that let the reader know that it was written 50 years ago. If I picked up the book nowadays and started reading it without even knowing it was published in 1960, I would assume it had been written for the audience of that time. The language used in the book, especially specific phrases and words, really date the text. As we discussed in class, the frequent and casual use of the word moron would not be acceptable today, though it was back then. ‘Tramp’ was another word that stuck out to me. We would use a word like robber or burglar instead today. On page 20-21 they start discussing this ‘tramp’ that stole the sheets, and it took me a while to understand what they were talking about at first.
ReplyDeleteDespite these components that seem to date the book, it is still relevant for today’s readers. Meg’s story is the timeless aspect of it, in my eyes. At first, her feeling of awkwardness, being alone, feelings not good enough, and her struggles to fit in. Then her coming into her own, finding herself, embracing these flaws and becoming a better person. I think stories like these are so relatable to every one of every age. Either you are going through that stage now, or you can remember vividly when you did. Characters like Meg’s will always evoke sympathy and empathy from the readers, and they will be able to relate to her happiness as she conquers these inner struggles that she deals with. I don’t think stories about characters “coming of age” will ever go out of style completely, and I think that is why this book has the ability to transcend the ages.
Literature itself is timeless, but every work of fiction is nevertheless a product of its times, and often the words and expressions used throughout a story can provide valuable clues that tip off an attentive reader about when the story was written and some of the prevailing societal views during that particular time period.
ReplyDeleteSeveral of the words and phrases used when Meg and Charles Wallace unexpectedly meet Calvin O’Keefe at the “haunted” house in which Mrs Whatsit and her two friends are staying seem unusual or out-of-date and likely make some readers wonder whether the book was written during another time period or possibly even by an author from a foreign country. Meg first describes Calvin to Charles Wallace as a “big bug” (p. 37), while Calvin himself adds enigmatically “I’m a sport…I don’t mean like in baseball” (p.38). Later, Calvin also inexplicably calls the five-year-old Charles Wallace “old sport” (p. 39), an expression which would seem more apt to spout from the mouth of a classy elderly British gentleman with a big mustache and a monocle than an awkward, gangly, fourteen-year-old boy. Even the word “moron” (p.38), while still used today, seems slightly old-fashioned.
Though the phrases used in “A Wrinkle in Time” may be dated, the depictions of family relationships described in the book are timeless and enduring.
The deep bonds of love between members of the Murry family (which will later in Madeleine L ’Engle’s “Time” series involve Calvin through marriage—I peeked) are shown best through the small acts of kindness they do for one another. Charles Wallace makes cocoa and prepares sandwiches for Meg and Mrs. Murry (pp. 13-15). Mrs. Murry notices the bruise Meg got from accidentally running into the old toys stashed away in the attic before Meg even thinks to tell her about it (p.16). Just as they are attentive to each other’s physical needs, they are considerate of one anothers’ emotional needs as well. Charles Wallace waits with the family pets for Meg to come home from school and asks about her day as they walk through the woods together to the “haunted” house in which Mrs Whatsit and her two friends are living. He slips his hand into Meg’s as they walk along, a small, simple gesture which wordlessly conveys volumes of warmth and support (pp. 33-35). Calvin calms Meg’s fears about entering the mysterious, unfamiliar house and makes her feel protected by putting “a strong hand to her elbow” (p.41). Sandy and Dennys also display their consideration through their eager willingness to stick up for their oddball little brother if needed, saying “Sandy and I’ll sock anybody who picks on him” (p. 30), despite the fact that they don’t understand Charles Wallace and, as Sandy phrased it, think he “doesn’t have much sense.” (p.29).
Fiction is “true” and real when it conveys a message or feeling that readers can relate to. I’m sure many, if not all, of us have been struck by a small act of kindness, such as a smile or a simple sentence, at least once when we felt misunderstood, upset, or alone. Sometimes it truly is the small things in life that make all of the difference.
A Wrinkle in Time is a book written without the major use of details from the time period in which it was written. L’Engle uses some contextual clues of the time period but they are few and far between which is one reason why this book has been timeless for the last 50 years. One detail of the story that provides clues of it’s time period is the beginning of the book where Meg is talking about the attic and how her room is in the attic. This may be subtle but it is very rare to find children’s rooms in the attic anymore. Most children have rooms on the main or second floor which is usually close to the parents room. Meg talks about being isolated in the attic and how it is frightening (page 11). Meg also speaks of her doll houses that she runs into on page 11. Doll houses have become less and less common in recent times.
ReplyDeleteThe theme that transcends the boundaries of time from this book is the love and devotion of family. Meg is a bit of a misfit at school but still finds the love and support that she needs at home even though she doesn’t always fit in there either. She knows her mother and father love her. The area of focus for this theme which is timeless is a siblings instincts to protect another younger sibling. At the end of the book we can really see Meg’s fight and drive to protect Charles Wallace. Her love for him is what ultimately drives her to face her fears and go back to IT to retrieve him. Then through love she discovers how to break Charles Wallace out of IT’s control (page 229). An older sibling’s love, devotion, and protection transcends time and makes this book timeless.
One thing that really dates the book for me is on page 10 she talks about “a tramp stealing the sheets of Mrs. Buncombe, the constable’s wife.” This first thing about this sentence that dates the book is that she calls the thief a tramp. The word tramp now has a very different meaning and is not used to describe a homeless person or a thief. The next thing that struck me about this statement was the fact that the sheets were available for her to steal. This makes me think that the sheets were hanging outside to dry which we typically don’t do anymore most people now have dryers in their homes. The last thing in this statement that catches my eye is the fact that she called Mrs. Buncombe the constable’s wife, we generally don’t say constable anymore we call them the police chief or even the sheriff.
ReplyDeleteI think this book remains timeless because of the ability to relate to each of the characters in some way. There is such a wide variety of personalities present in this book. Me personally I can relate to the awkward phase that Meg is going through I can also relate to how Calvin is normal in school and on the outside but home and family life is a totally different situation. I know my mom could probably relate to the mother in the story (Besides the being a genius scientist part). I just think overall everyone can see themselves in someone from this story.
Yes, Haley, I do agree that literature itself is timeless. But, although writing will never disappear, many, many works of literature do indeed fade . What separates certain works from being a timeless classic rather than being buried under the sands of time are the elements that will always appeal to readers, no matter in what time the book is being read.
ReplyDeleteFor example, in A Wrinkle in Time, there are is a big relation between conformity and religion. The fact that EVERYONE in Camazotz has to give decency donations lends a similar feeling to giving a donation while at a church service. (pg 118) Apartment buildings are all fairly tall, rectangular and absolutely plain, with each entrance exactly the same as the next. (pg 119) It is also interesting to note that 3 "witches" (they are very similar to angels, right?) were the ones who sent them on their journey to find Meg and Charles' father. I believe that in our world religion will always be closely watched, for that’s what lead to the separation between church and state here in the USA. Even today, in year 2012 there are still conflicts in the middle east between Israel and Palestine. It is also interesting to note that this major conflict didn’t take on global proportions until 1956, when Israel invaded Sinai.
The reader of Wrinkle in Time can definitely tell the book is dated if paying attention. Some of the language in the book is not the normal vernacular used today. Some younger children may not understand what is meant by some of the words used. For example the word tramp is used(10). I believe children now may have never heard this word, and if they did it was probably from the Disney film, "Lady and the Tramp." i could see this being confusing. Also at one point Meg's mother mentions getting Meg a typewriter(50). While most people still know what this is, it is not commonly used in our society anymore. These are noticeable, but I don't think they take away from the story. The way that L'Engle presents the challenges Meg faces is truly an enduring concept. She does a great job of presenting how it feels to not fit in and be the outcast of your school or even your family. I think it is the characters that really keep this book relevant. Almost everybody can pick a character and relate to them in this book. Even if you weren't the outcast L'Engle allows the reader to feel the pain of one. This is a fantastic story that has stood the test of time for 50+ years. I believe it will endure much longer than that.
ReplyDeleteI really like your writing style, great information, thankyou for posting. timeless season 2
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