Parenting Insights
This article contains some spoilers about “A Wrinkle in Time.” If you haven’t read this classic yet, consider this your warning — and seriously, what are you waiting for?
“It was a dark and stormy night…” And thus begins the strange, captivating tale that transformed my perspective when I was merely 9 years old. As a young girl, I felt out of place, awkward, and far from what was considered trendy. Books became my sanctuary. However, it wasn’t until I stumbled upon A Wrinkle in Time that I discovered a character with whom I felt an undeniable connection. This experience was so impactful that it ignited my passion for reading that continues to this day.
Meg Murry, the unlikely protagonist of A Wrinkle in Time, is often overlooked in her family of brothers. An unpopular outcast with frizzy hair and glasses, she is too intelligent to blend in with her peers. I saw myself in Meg Murry. Finding a literary counterpart at that age was a transformative experience.
For over five decades, Meg Murry has served as an inspiration for girls everywhere. She was among the first female leads in the science fiction genre, embodying intelligence and assertiveness, making it cool to embrace one’s nerdiness. Rather than undergoing a typical transformation, Meg remains true to herself, proving that she is the hero of her own story without needing a Prince Charming.
If you have a daughter, do yourself and her a favor — get her this book right now!
Meg Murry is a misfit, yet she is far from meek. She exhibits anger, impatience, and a fierce attitude. She stands up to authority figures, and she speaks her mind without being told to act more “ladylike.” It’s her strong-willed nature that ultimately becomes her greatest asset.
Have you purchased the book for your daughter yet? Hurry! You can come back to finish this article afterward!
The narrative follows Meg and her brilliant young brother, Charles, as they embark on a cosmic adventure. Their father, a physicist, has been missing for an entire year. However, he is not merely lost; he is trapped by a malevolent force known as IT, a shadow threatening the universe and encroaching upon Earth. To rescue him, Meg, Charles, and their friend Calvin must navigate to Camazotz through a “tesseract,” or wrinkle in time. Camazotz is ruled by IT, a pulsating brain that enforces conformity.
As a child, I found the dystopian world of Camazotz unsettling. Every house, yard, and child appeared identical, creating an eerie atmosphere. The most haunting moment occurs when children jump rope and bounce red balls in perfect unison. To this day, the idea of such conformity disturbs me, as I’ve spent my life resisting societal pressures.
Meg, Charles, and Calvin soon find themselves embroiled in a fierce battle against IT. With their father ensnared and Charles falling under IT’s control, Meg feels utterly defeated. As her brother’s protector, her failure weighs heavily on her.
In a moment of despair, Meg learns she possesses a unique weapon that IT lacks — but she must uncover it herself. Just when hope seems lost, she discovers that LOVE is the ultimate force against evil.
Using the power of love, Meg saves her brother from IT’s grasp. In an emotional scene, she calls out to Charles, pouring her heart into her words: “Charles. Charles, I love you. My baby brother who always takes care of me. Come back to me, Charles Wallace, come away from IT, come back, come home. I love you, Charles. Oh, Charles Wallace, I love you.” She continues until he breaks free and rushes into her arms, both sobbing and reaffirming their bond.
Meg Murry, a 13-year-old girl, emerges as the savior of all!
Long before Katniss Everdeen, there was Meg Murry — an empowering female role model who saves the day, not in spite of her defiance, but because of it. All girls need to recognize their potential to be the heroes of their own stories, embracing their individuality as strength. Meg Murry made it acceptable for me to be the awkward nerd; to choose intellect over conventional beauty, because like Meg, I too am meant to be the hero of my narrative. Today, as an independent single mother, I embody this spirit.
A Wrinkle in Time has remained timeless for over 50 years, expertly weaving the classic battle between good and evil with a beautiful message: love triumphs above all. Just last night, my daughter read aloud the concluding pages. She loves the moment when Meg saves Charles Wallace. I recall crying when I first encountered that scene, and even now, it brings tears to my eyes.
In a world where we often forget the transformative power of unconditional love, this message is as critical as ever. I learned it at 9 years old; I just needed a reminder.
For additional insights on pregnancy and home insemination, consider exploring resources such as WHO’s pregnancy page. And for practical information on home insemination kits, check out this comprehensive guide.
Summary:
In conclusion, A Wrinkle in Time is an essential read for every young girl, offering a compelling narrative that champions individuality and the power of love. Meg Murry’s journey is a testament to the notion that girls can be heroes in their own right, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and stand against conformity.