Category: A Wrinkle in Time

“The magic of a story is when the characters come to life and defy our expectations.” ― H.S. Crow

There are many ways an author can tell a story. No matter what way they choose, having a well-developed character will make the story more appealing. The ability to make your character really can make a reader more invested in your story because the readers can understand what they are going through. The change in self-esteem in Meg from A Wrinkle In Time by L’Engle and Marjane from Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi help develop their respective stories.

In A Wrinkle in time, Meg Murry is the protagonist of the story. However, Meg has inner conflicts that she has to overcome throughout the story. At the beginning of the story, the reader learns that Meg comes from a well-known family that is smart and beautiful. Meg feels as though she is nothing like her family at all. She thinks she’s ugly because of her braces and by comparing her looks to her mother. She’s a smart girl but acts like she’s not in school. This leads to people teasing her at school because they believe that Meg is supposed to be smart by default. These actions cause Meg to lash out in school. Her anger makes her fight anyone especially if they talk badly about her family. Megs feels like her life is a mess and has pent-up frustration in the world. At the beginning of the book, Meg is in her bedroom in the attic while a hurricane rages on throughout the night. She thinks about the events that happen in her life and how she’s a loser in the family. In Meg’s view,” Just be glad you’re a kitten and not a monster like me.’ She looked at herself in the wardrobe mirror and made a horrible face, baring a mouthful of teeth covered with braces”( 20) In making this comment, L’Engle urges us to understand how Meg’s low self-esteem plays a big role in her life. the common factor of all of her insecurities is her missing father

Meg’s missing father is always a subject in Meg’s mind. She doesn’t like to admit it openly but her actions show exactly how Meg is feeling. The reason why she does badly in school even though she’s smart is she doesn’t like the way the school teaches and prefers her father’s way of teaching. Even the town knows that Meg’s father hasn’t been back in a long time. People like to assume that Mr.Murry is cheating on his wife and abandoning his children. These rumors make Meg really upset and she becomes very protective of her family. L’Engle states,”… one of the boys had said something about her “dumb baby brother.” At this, she’d thrown the books on the side of the road and tackled him with every ounce of strength she had, and arrived home with her blouse torn and a big bruise under one eye.”(8) L’Engle’s point is that Meg is ready to go against anybody who disrespects her family even if she knew she isn’t strong to fight especially if it’s for Charles Wallace.

Nobody understands Meg as Charles can. As mentioned before, Meg feels isolated because of her looks and personality. Charles is able to understand how Meg feels so well that he can even predict what she is going to do. Meg is very fond of Charles for his ability and is able to open up to Charles when she feels upset. Charles holding Meg’s hand is a gesture that always makes Meg feel better no matter the situation. Calvin also does this gesture with Meg and Meg grows fond of Calvin as well. L’Engle states,” Listen, you go right on wearing your glasses. I don’t think I want anybody else to see what gorgeous eyes you have.”Calvin is a key part of Meg’s change in attitude because through his compliments she realizes that she shouldn’t talk down to herself and she’s stronger than she thinks. Meg tends to gravitate toward the men in her life. Maybe it’s because her father is missing but Meg is easily reassured when men tell her everything will be ok. When her mother tries to reassure her, it isn’t as effective. However, Meg’s weakness will be turned into her strength as her development as a character comes to a conclusion.

In order to save her father, Meg needed to learn how to accept her negative attributes. She uses her faults in battle with IT and through that, she was able to save her father. She was hesitant to spring into action because she naturally relies on other people. Throughout the story, Meg holding the hand of others showed how she was afraid to do things by herself. When she was upset she needed to hold someone’s hand to feel better. Now at the end of the story, she is able to move and control her emotions. By using her faults as strengths, Meg is able to view herself in a positive light. At the end of the story, Meg makes a complete turn in her personality.

Marjane was born in the 1970s in Iran. Iran is a religious place that practices Islam. Marjane was born into Islam and has practiced Islam her whole life. Due to her being religious at a young age, she wanted to be a prophet when she grew up. Also, Marjane thought highly of herself as a kid. She felt as if god blessed her to make things better for her environment. According to Marjane Satrapi, “I wanted to be a prophet because our maid did not eat with us. Because my father had a Cadillac. And, above all, because my Grandmother’s knees always ached.”(10). Satrapi’s point is being a prophet is more than religious purposes, she wanted to help the living conditions of those around her. This also made her seek knowledge in the form of books.

Since Marjane was living in a revolution as a kid so she was interested to know about them and eager to participate. Satrapi had read many books to enlighten her on revolutions. She read about Fidel Castro and other people who wanted to change their society. Marjane took great pride in her knowledge of revolutions to the point in she felt as if she was ready to partake in one. However, after learning about the horrors of revolution from her parents, she understands how ignorant she was to the topic. In Satrapi’s view, “I realized then that I didn’t understand anything. I read all the books I could.”(36) In other words Satrapi asserts that she finds it hard because she isn’t able to understand revolution to the fullest after reading about them so much. This confusion is something that Satrapi isn’t familiar with and will affect her when she leaves Iran for the first time.

Things in Iran got so bad that Marjane was forced to leave. She went to Vienna by herself and was independent for the first time. When Marjane tries to assimilate into a western culture she feels as if she’s losing her roots. Satrapi states,”…I was distancing myself from my culture, Betraying my parents and my origin…”(196)The essence of Satrapi’s statement is she likes being a part of western culture but she realizes that being Iranian makes her an easy target for prejudice and feels forced to conform with western standards. This is a turning point for Marjane’s self-esteem. She was proud to be Iranian but she lies about where she is from when people ask. When Marjane’s boyfriend cheated on her, she hits rock bottom. She lived on the streets for months struggling to survive. It came to the point where she got very sick and needed to go to the hospital. She decided to return home to reconnect with her family. This decision was a turning point in Marjane’s self-esteem

Marjane still struggled in finding herself. She became depressed and had to go see a therapist however that didn’t work out the way she wanted it. She tries to kill herself but survives the attempts. This experience allowed Satrapi to realize that she needs to improve her life. She becomes more active against the regime’s hypocrisy even though she struggles along the way. She understands the importance of being an independent woman. She once again leaves Iran but this time she’s more confident in who she is and what she wants to be.

Meg and Satrapi’s self-esteem at the beginning of their stories are opposites of each other. At the beginning of A Wrinkle In Time, Meg’s self-esteem was low, unlike Marjane who was headstrong at the beginning of Persepolis. However, unlike Satrapi, Meg’s self-esteem went up throughout her story. This is most likely because Meg was intended to portray a message to the reader that you can overcome any obstacle if you believe in yourself. Although Persepolis is a biography, the same message can be said about Marjane. Both of these characters are presented with something they want to change but in order to achieve that change they have to change themselves. Meg had to be more confident in her own abilities and accept her faults. For Marjane, she needed to find her true self and not be influenced by outside sources. Both characters know how it feels to be down, which allowed them to raise up.

Introduction

‘A Wrinkle in Time’ by Madeleine L’Engle is a beloved science fiction novel that takes readers on a fantastical journey through time and space. At the heart of the story lies a series of conflicts that drive the narrative and shape the characters’ development. In this literary criticism essay, we will explore the central conflicts present in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and analyze their significance in the broader themes of the novel.

The Conflict Between Good and Evil

One of the primary conflicts in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ revolves around the battle between good and evil. Meg Murry, the protagonist, and her companions embark on a quest to rescue Meg’s father from the clutches of the dark force known as IT. This conflict highlights the struggle between the forces of light and darkness, emphasizing the importance of love, empathy, and inner strength in overcoming evil.

The Conflict of Individuality vs. Conformity

Another significant conflict in the novel is the tension between individuality and conformity. Meg, who is initially portrayed as an outsider and misfit, discovers her unique strengths and learns to embrace her individuality. The conformist society controlled by IT represents the suppression of individuality and the homogenization of thought. L’Engle critiques the dangers of conforming to societal expectations and highlights the value of embracing one’s true self.

The Conflict of Fear and Courage

Fear and courage are recurring themes throughout the novel, and they manifest as an internal conflict within the characters. Meg, Charles Wallace, and the other characters must confront their fears and find the courage to overcome obstacles. This conflict highlights the transformative power of facing one’s fears and underscores the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The Conflict Between Knowledge and Ignorance

L’Engle explores the conflict between knowledge and ignorance as the characters navigate through different dimensions and encounter beings with vast knowledge. The pursuit of knowledge becomes crucial in unraveling the mysteries of the universe and combating the oppressive forces of darkness. The conflict between knowledge and ignorance underscores the novel’s themes of curiosity, intellectual curiosity, and the importance of seeking truth.

The Conflict of Love and Hate

Love serves as a powerful force in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and acts as a counterbalance to hate. The power of love is exemplified in Meg’s unwavering love for her family and her determination to rescue her father. Love and empathy play a vital role in the characters’ growth and ultimately triumph over evil. L’Engle emphasizes the transformative and redemptive power of love, highlighting its ability to conquer hate and unite individuals.

Conclusion

The conflicts within ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ contribute to the novel’s depth and resonance. By exploring themes such as good vs. evil, individuality vs. conformity, fear vs. courage, knowledge vs. ignorance, and love vs. hate, L’Engle creates a rich tapestry of interwoven conflicts that drive the narrative forward and engage readers on multiple levels. Through the resolution of these conflicts, the characters undergo personal growth and transformation, ultimately conveying messages of hope, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness. ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate and explore the complexities of the human experience.

Introduction

‘A Wrinkle in Time’ by Madeleine L’Engle is a captivating work of literature that has enchanted readers for decades. This essay aims to delve into the deeper meaning embedded within the novel, examining the layers of symbolism, allegory, and thematic exploration that contribute to its enduring appeal.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

At its core, ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ is a story of self-discovery and self-acceptance. The protagonist, Meg Murry, embarks on a perilous journey through space and time to rescue her father and, in the process, discovers her own strength and inner power. L’Engle uses this journey as a metaphor for the tumultuous path of adolescence, highlighting the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness and finding the courage to be oneself.

The Battle Between Light and Darkness

The conflict between light and darkness is a recurring theme in the novel, symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil. L’Engle portrays darkness as a force of oppression, conformity, and fear, while light represents love, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge. This dichotomy emphasizes the significance of choosing the path of light and resisting the temptations of darkness in order to uphold goodness and justice.

Embracing Individuality and Nonconformity

L’Engle challenges societal norms and celebrates individuality in ‘A Wrinkle in Time.’ The characters, particularly Meg and her companions, Charles Wallace and Calvin, defy expectations and reject conformity. Through their unique qualities and abilities, they triumph over adversity. The novel encourages readers to embrace their own individuality and resist the pressures to conform, reminding them of the power that lies in embracing their true selves.

Love as a Transformative Force

Love is a central theme in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and is portrayed as a transformative and redemptive force. Meg’s unwavering love for her family and her willingness to sacrifice for them become driving forces in her quest. L’Engle suggests that love has the power to transcend boundaries, heal wounds, and overcome darkness. Through love, characters experience personal growth and achieve victory.

The Exploration of Cosmic and Existential Questions

L’Engle weaves cosmic and existential questions throughout the narrative, provoking readers to contemplate the nature of the universe, human existence, and the interplay of science and spirituality. The concept of “tesseracting” represents the bending of space and time, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of the universe and the interconnectedness of all things. The novel prompts readers to question their place in the vast cosmos and consider the depths of human potential.

Conclusion

‘A Wrinkle in Time’ is a literary masterpiece that resonates with readers of all ages due to its profound exploration of themes and its rich symbolism. L’Engle skillfully weaves together elements of self-discovery, the battle between light and darkness, the importance of embracing individuality, the transformative power of love, and the contemplation of cosmic and existential questions. Through these layers of meaning, the novel invites readers to reflect on their own journeys, question societal norms, and embrace their unique identities. ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ serves as a poignant reminder of the human capacity for growth, love, and the pursuit of truth in the face of adversity.

Literature has impacted the world in numerous ways. It has formed our beliefs into different things and has made us look at the world differently. Author Connie Willis said ‘That’s what literature is. It’s the people who went before us, tapping out messages from the past, from beyond the grave, trying to tell us about life and death! Listen to them!’ Many authors have told us stories since long ago and have taught us many of valuable lessons and messages. The quotation is telling us that there are many stories telling us about the past and tells us about how lives are lived and about death and the lessons and messages we can get from them.

‘The Great Gatsby’ written by F. Scott Fitzgerald has many lessons and morals. It walks us through Gatsby’s life and other characters’ lives and the way they lived and what we can learn from their story. A quote from the book that tells us about a life lesson ‘In my younger . . . years my father gave me some advice . . . “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone. . . just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’ This quote explains to us how Nick from the story had gotten advice from his father while he was younger about criticizing people and how to always remember that people in the world haven’t had advantages that other people had. This quote gives us a valuable life lesson that we should go by and how it gives us advice on how we should treat other people and learn to live with other people without judging them and their life.

Another book that has valuable morals is ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck’. The book gives us many lessons about life and how we should live our lives to be able to be content. A quote from the book is ‘“In every bit of honest writing in the world, there is a base theme. Try to understand men, if you understand each other you will be kind to each other. KNOWING A MAN WELL NEVER LEADS TO HATE and nearly always leads to love. There are shorter means, many of them. There is writing promoting social change, writing punishing injustice, and writing in celebration of heroism, but always that base theme. TRY TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER!” This explains that although there are many people in the world with many differences from us we should always try to understand each other. Being able to be civil can lead to lots of love for one another. This quote gives us important information on how we may have many differences from other people despite those differences we should always learn to accept one another and to be supportive of one another since we all are living on the same earth as one. Doing this can lead to so much love for one another.

The last book that gives us an example of receiving powerful messages and lessons is ‘A Wrinkle in TIme’ by Madeleine L’Engle. The book gives us so many valuable lessons about life and how we should always appreciate the time. A quote in the book ‘Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: You’re given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself. – Mrs. Whatsit” This gives us a message about how life has many different parts to it and we are given the honor to be able to transform our life into the way we want it and only we can do that ourselves. This relates to the quote because it explains how with life and how there are many things we have yet to learn and things we will learn and it gives us valuable messages.

There are many stories that have taught us many valuable lessons. A lot has given us many messages and many morals. Each piece of literature, we read will always give us a message from many wise people. Stories are written to help us get through life and give us support to go through our lives like the quote ‘That’s what literature is. It’s the people who went before us, tapping out messages from the past, from beyond the grave, trying to tell us about life and death! Listen to them!’ Connie Willis explains. The three books ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald, ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck, and ‘A Wrinkle in TIme’ by Madeleine L’Engle have many valuable lessons in them to push us through life and give us valuable insight from the past like how the quote by Connie Willis explains.

“A Wrinkle in Time”, authored by Madeleine L’Engle, tells the wildly crazy story of three young children, Meg Murry, Charles Wallace Murry, and Calvin O’Keefe. This amazing adventure commences when young Meg a distant child who’s just trying to do the best she can, can’t sleep because of the storm that’s happening outside her bedroom window at night. She goes down to discover Charles Wallace, a remarkable young boy who is mature beyond his years making some warm milk for Meg. Charles Wallace welcomes her and says that he knew she would come down the stairs. Meg finds this odd in the interest of Charles Wallace always knew what Meg was going to do even before she knew what she was going to do.

There’s suddenly someone in the doorway of their house. This lady’s name is “Mrs. Whatsit”. Charles Wallace seems very comfortable with her and assures Mrs. Murry (who had also come down because of the loud storm) to let her in. They have a semi-normal conversation until Mrs. Whatsit brings up the weird word “tesseract”, Mrs. Murry immediately gets confused and concerned. Tesseract to different planets was the idea Mr. Murry was exploring when all of a sudden he went missing a few years ago.

They then meet two more out-of-this-world women, Mrs. Which and Mrs. Who. While meeting Mrs. Who they also meet up with a young man named Calvin O’Keefe. Calvin is a very smart and caring young man who also joins them on the crazy adventure. Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which tell the three young adolescents that they know where Mr. Murry is. He’s trapped in a different dimension and is in need of help. Hearing this news made Meg and Charles Wallace determined to get their male parent back no matter what it took. Little did they know they would encounter “IT” a sinister dreadful entity that makes good people turn into not-so-good people.

They set out for the adventure of a lifetime, an adventure no one could possibly imagine. An adventure that will require great strength, unique ways of thinking, and of course love. Through men with crazy eyes, kind beasts, sinister things, transparent columns, unusual children, and many more strange things, will the Murry kids be able to save Meg’s and Charles Wallace’s beloved father?

Theme: Family

Family is a big part of life, the individuals you call “family” are going to be the ones to pick you up when you are down, comfort you, and be there for you anytime. The correct definition of family is “a group of individuals related by blood, marriage or adoption. In the two books, ​A Wrinkle in Time ​by Madeleine L’Engle and ​The Hate U Give ​by Angie Thomas, the two main characters Starr Carter and Meg Murphy as well as another main character sacrifice and did things for their family even if that means putting their lives in danger as Meg did for her father and Starr did for her long time friend who became family Khalil Harris. For family, there is nothing you wouldn’t do to protect them in Starr’s case to get justice. You put your thoughts and fears to the side, protect and stand up for what you believe is right and that is what family does for one another.

In ​The Hate U Give, ​Starr Carter a 16-year-old witnessed the brutal death of her childhood best friend Khalil, shot and killed by a police officer. Starr and Khalil were on their way home from a neighborhood party when suddenly they were pulled over by a white police officer and Khalil was forced to get out of his vehicle. When the officer went to check Khalil’s license and registration that he handed him with no problem, Khalil bent down in the car to ask Starr if she was okay because he knew this must have been a frightening experience for her. That is when the officer fired three shots into Khalil’s back. Then there he was laying on the floor dead because the officer mistook him for reaching for his hairbrush and thought he was reaching for a weapon to retaliate against the officer.

After Khalil died, the procedure of dehumanization of this young black man began. Every media outlet created a narrative about the background of Khalil as a man and his upbringing. Their opinions painted him out to be a danger to society, due to his past of selling drugs and participating in violent acts of crime such as robbery and murder. They thought his own actions justified his murder. Starr knew that she had to defend him and bring light to his name through all of the negativity. However, she was afraid due to the fact that speaking up could possibly damage the well-being of her family, saying:

“I’ve seen it happen over and over again: a black person gets killed just for being black, and all hell breaks loose. I’ve Tweeted RIP hashtags, reblogged pictures on Tumblr, and signed every petition out there. I always said that if I saw it happen to somebody, I would have the loudest voice, making sure the world knew what went down. Now I am that person, and I’m too afraid to speak.”

On the other hand, her family was ready to support her in her decision to use her voice and stand against the oppression of the media and police and made sure to stick with her through the strenuous task.

Another character who is strong on family values is Starr’s uncle, Carlos, who was a father figure to her while her biological father, Maverick, was serving prison time. Carlos and Starr’s relationship continued to blossom following her father’s release. Carlos expressed his displeasure with the death of Khalil and within himself for trying to justify his death, saying: “I knew that boy. Watched him grow up with you. He was more than any bad decision he made,” he says. “I hate that I let myself fall into that mindset of trying to rationalize his death. And at the end of the day, you don’t kill someone for opening a car door. If you do, you shouldn’t be a cop.”

Uncle Carlos and Officer One-Fifteen, the officer responsible for Khalil’s death, both work at the same police headquarters. While more details emerged about Khalil’s passing, he learned that Starr was almost also in the line of fire. Being overprotective of his niece, he felt obligated to take action into his own hands and punched Officer One-Fifteen in the face. He paid for his actions by being forced to take a leave of absence from the task force. Although the act could have cost him his job, this shows that family is above all to him and he is willing to put it all on the line to protect what’s his.

In ​A Wrinkle in Time, 12-year-old Meg Murry is the epitome of being family oriented. She fights for her family hard and loves her family even harder. At the very beginning of the novel, Meg gets into a fight with a boy in her class because she was bullying her younger brother Charles Wallace. The bully was mocking her intelligence of Charles but in all actuality, Charles is one of the most intelligent kids and is even smarter than Meg. Meg, being the big sister that she is, will obviously stand up for her brother which shows how she cares for her family.

Another family member Meg is protective of is her father. Her father is a scientist and has disappeared while working on experiments. She is struggling to fit in and constantly struggles with the fact of her father being gone. Her mother tries to console her, saying: “​Maybe if Father were here he could help you, but I don’t think I can do anything till you’ve managed to plow through some more time. Then things will be easier for you. But that isn’t much help right now, is it?”

She fights with her principal, Principal Jenkins over the belief of her father’s disappearance. She defends her father against Principal Jenkins’ claims of her father never coming back and how delusional she must be to believe so, saying that he is wrong and she believes he will return. Meg also tries to convince others that he isn’t just a lost crazy story that everyone in her town is painting him out to be. Even though defending her father is a hard task, she does it because it’s her father and no one can steer her wrong about him.

Family is essentially a gathering of blood-related individuals (now and again non-blood relations are likewise a piece of the family for instance mate, in–laws and companions) who acknowledge us for what our identity is, who might do nearly anything to make us grin and who might cherish us regardless of what may occur. At last, family is the main spot where our life starts, and love never closes. Family might be arranged into a shut family and a more distant family. The nearby family incorporates our folks, kin, and life partner and the more distant family remembers – laws, uncles, aunties, cousins, etc. Now and again even dear companions are a piece of the family. Without a family, it turns out to be very hard to live in this large world, and thus a family is of prime significance. The significance of family is thoroughly shown in these two works of literature. Both Starr Carter and Meg Murray show that they will do anything to protect their family even if that means going through the crossfires to make it happen. All family structures are different, but the one thing they all have in common is the love, respect, and responsibility they have for each other. Meg and Starr grew up in totally different spaces with two totally different families but they both have the same love for the members of their family and have shown the willpower of doing whatever is necessary for them.

It’s a dark and stormy night, Margaret Murry tosses and turns in her attic bedroom. She is not able to fall asleep because she is engrossed in thoughts with all that seems wrong in her life: she feels like she doesn’t belong at school: her high school teachers have just threatened to drop her down a grade because of her poor academic performance: and to make matters worse, her father has been missing for several years and they have not heard from him ever since. Meg hears their family’s dog Fortinbras barking downstairs and she begins to worry that an intruder may be trespassing around the house. She suspects the tramp she heard about when she had gone to the post office to pick up mails who according to the gossiper stole twelve bedsheets from the constable’s wife Mrs. Buncombe.

Discharging her fears as silly and trying to calm her nerves down. Meg decides to go downstairs to the kitchen to make herself some cocoa. She is amazed to find her five-year-old brother Charles Wallace waiting for her at the kitchen table, although she is aware that Charles always seems capable of reading her mind. Their mother Mrs. Murry soon joins them and tells Meg about the phone call she received from Mrs. Henderson; the mother of the boy Meg had a fight with at school that day. Meg complains to her mother that she hates being an “oddball” at school. She wishes she was more ordinary than her young twin brothers, Sandy and Dennys. Mrs. Murry tells Meg that she has to learn the meaning of moderation, and the importance of finding a “happy medium”. Charles then comments by saying that he had spoken to his friend Mrs. Whatsit about Meg’s problems, though he refuses to explain who the woman is.

Meanwhile, as Charles is preparing sandwiches for his mother and Meg, their dog begins to bark loudly again. Mrs. Murry goes outside to find out what is causing the uproar. She returns with Charles Wallace’s enigmatic friend Mrs. Whatsit. An odd tramp completely wrapped up in wet clothes. Mrs. Whatsit explains that she splendors in nights of such fierce weather, however, tonight she has been blown off course in the storm. Why did you steal the bedsheets from Mrs. Buncombe, Charles asks confirming Meg’s suspicion that it is Mrs. Whatsit the neighborhood tramp? After removing her boots and drying her feet, she suddenly remarks about the existence of a “tesseract” and then hurries out the door. Mrs. Murry stood still at the threshold astonished by Mrs. Whatsit’s parting words.

My Own Reaction.

In this chapter, Meg is introduced as an ordinary adolescent, with problems like those faced by most teenagers nowadays. Meg is trying so hard to fit in and to feel more confident in her own identity; she feels like an outsider at school because she doesn’t get along with other students who constantly accuse her of acting childish. Part of her estrangement results from the disrepute of her unusual family: her teachers expect her performance in class to be better, since both her parents are brilliant scientists, and the boys at school make fun of her “dumb baby brother” Charles Wallace who began speaking at a later age. Lastly, all the people in her town gossip about her non-existing dad. Suggesting that the whole family should just accept the fact that he left them. On top of that Meg feels insecure about her looks when compared to her gorgeous mum. She describes herself as ‘repulsive-looking’ and wonders whether her social disaffection is related to the physical unattractiveness she believes she possesses. Therefore, Meg stands out for the very same reason that makes her so typical of most teenagers: Awkward and insecure; she lacks confidence in her own abilities.