In this video I’ll summarize the plot of A Wrinkle in Time in about four minutes and give you an analysis of the story. Okay, let’s get started with the introduction.
1. Arrival of Mrs. Whatsit
The story begins with Meg Murry, a misfit girl struggling with school and social life, her precocious younger brother Charles Wallace, and their missing father, a scientist who disappeared while working on a secret government project. On a stormy night, a mysterious woman named Mrs. Whatsit arrives at their house and hints that a powerful force known as the “tesseract”—a way to travel across space and time—is real. This revelation sets Meg, Charles Wallace, and their new friend Calvin O’Keefe on a journey to find Meg’s father.
2. Journey Through the Universe
Guided by Mrs. Whatsit and her two celestial companions, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, the children travel through a wrinkle in time, or “tesser,” to the planet Uriel. There, they learn that the universe is threatened by an evil force called the Black Thing, which engulfs planets in darkness. They see firsthand how this darkness consumes worlds and understand that their father is trapped in its influence. With their celestial guides’ help, they continue their quest to rescue him.
3. Dystopian World of Camazotz
The children’s journey takes them to the ominous planet of Camazotz, a place where conformity is enforced, and free will is suppressed by a powerful entity known as IT. This mind-controlling force has captured Mr. Murry and manipulates the citizens into complete uniformity. Charles Wallace, confident in his intelligence, allows IT to take control of his mind, believing he can resist its influence. However, he quickly falls under IT’s power, becoming emotionless and robotic. Meg and Calvin must find a way to break IT’s grip on Charles Wallace before it’s too late.
4. The Rescue of Mr. Murry
Meg and Calvin locate Mr. Murry, who has been imprisoned by IT. Using the tesseract, Mr. Murry manages to escape with Meg and Calvin, but they are forced to leave Charles Wallace behind. This devastates Meg, but she soon realizes that she is the only one who can save him. Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which cannot interfere, and Meg must rely on her own strengths to defeat IT.
5. The Power of Love
Meg returns to Camazotz alone to confront IT and save her brother. She realizes that the one thing IT cannot control is love. By focusing on her deep love for Charles Wallace, she breaks IT’s hold on him. Freed from its grip, Charles Wallace escapes with Meg, and they return home safely. The family is reunited, and the children have not only rescued their father but also gained a new understanding of the power of love, individuality, and resilience.
Theme 1: Good vs Evil
One of the central themes in A Wrinkle in Time is the struggle between good and evil. The Black Thing represents darkness, oppression, and conformity, while the children and their celestial guides symbolize light, hope, and freedom. The novel emphasizes that evil thrives on control and uniformity, while goodness flourishes through love, free will, and individuality.
Theme 2: Love and Self-Acceptance
Another key theme in the novel is the power of love. Meg learns that love is the strongest force in the universe, capable of overcoming darkness and fear. Her journey also highlights self-acceptance, as she realizes that her perceived flaws—her stubbornness and emotional nature—are actually her greatest strengths. By embracing who she is and expressing unconditional love, Meg is able to triumph over IT and bring her family back together.