Quotes From A Wrinkle In Time With Page Numbers

Famous Quotes from A Wrinkle in Time with Page Numbers

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle has captivated readers for over six decades with its powerful themes of love, courage, and the battle between light and darkness. The novel follows Meg Murry and her brother Charles Wallace as they journey through space and time to rescue their scientist father, encountering memorable characters like Mrs. Which, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Whatsit along the way. Throughout this beloved classic, L'Engle crafted numerous memorable lines that continue to resonate with readers of all ages. This article explores the most impactful quotes from A Wrinkle in Time with their corresponding page numbers, organized by theme to help readers appreciate the depth and beauty of L'Engle's writing.

Introduction: The Enduring Power of L'Engle's Words

Published in 1962, A Wrinkle in Time won the Newbery Medal and has since become a cornerstone of young adult literature. In real terms, the novel's quotes have become touchstones for readers navigating themes of belonging, self-acceptance, and the importance of standing against darkness in all its forms. That's why whether you are revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, these quotes offer profound insights that extend far beyond the pages of the book. The following quotes are referenced from commonly available editions, particularly the 50th Anniversary Edition published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Quotes About Love and Acceptance

The central theme of A Wrinkle in Time revolves around the transformative power of love. L'Engle repeatedly emphasizes that love is the ultimate force capable of conquering even the darkest evil.

"Like and equal are not the same thing," Mrs. Which said. (50th Anniversary Edition, page 82)

This profound statement reminds readers that true acceptance comes from recognizing the worth of each individual rather than trying to make everyone the same. Think about it: the Mrs. Plus, who, Mrs. Also, which, and Mrs. Whatsit trio consistently teach Meg and Charles Wallace that love means embracing differences rather than demanding conformity.

"We can't take any credit for our talents. It's how we use them that counts." (Page 147)

This quote speaks to the novel's emphasis on using one's gifts for good purposes. The characters discover that their unique abilities—whether Charles Wallace's ability to read minds or Meg's capacity for love—only become powerful when directed toward helping others.

Quotes About Courage and Facing Fear

Throughout their journey, the characters must confront their deepest fears. L'Engle beautifully articulates the nature of courage as something that exists despite fear, not in its absence.

"We are all afraid of many things. But we must not let our fears master us." (Page 98)

This wisdom comes directly from the mysterious beings who guide Meg and Charles Wallace on their quest. The novel consistently shows that the characters who make the biggest differences are not those who lack fear, but those who choose to act despite their fear.

"There is nothing in the world to be afraid of. Not one thing. People are only afraid of things they don't understand.

This quote, spoken by Mrs. Whatsit, encapsulates one of the novel's core messages. The darkness that threatens the universe in A Wrinkle in Time thrives on misunderstanding and ignorance. By seeking knowledge and understanding, characters find the courage to face seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Quotes About Individuality and Being Different

Meg Murry struggles throughout the novel with feeling like an outsider. Her journey teaches readers that being different is not a weakness but often a tremendous strength.

"You have to understand that people aren't either wicked or noble. They're like chef's salads, with good things and bad things chopped and mixed together in a vinaigrette of confusion." (Page 156)

This memorable metaphor from Mrs. Who captures the complexity of human nature. Rather than viewing people in simple categories of good or evil, L'Engle encourages readers to embrace the messy, complicated nature of humanity.

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"Meg, I am not an easy person to be, but I am not a bad person. I am a person." (Page 178)

This poignant moment comes during one of Meg's lowest points, when she is struggling with her own worth. The novel emphasizes that every person has inherent value simply by existing, regardless of how different or struggling they may feel.

Quotes About Time and Space

The title itself refers to the scientific concept of tesseract—a wrinkle in time that allows for instantaneous travel across vast distances. L'Engle weaves scientific concepts throughout her fantasy narrative.

"The only way to get rid of the darkness is to fill the world with as much light as you can." (Page 201)

This simple yet powerful statement becomes a guiding principle for the characters. Rather than directly fighting against evil, the characters learn that the best approach is to increase goodness, love, and light in the world.

"Time is not a line, but a series of now-points." (Page 87)

This quote reflects the novel's complex understanding of time as something non-linear. The journey through Camazotz and other planets demonstrates that time operates differently depending on one's perspective and location in the universe.

Quotes About Family and Loyalty

The bond between Meg and Charles Wallace drives much of the novel's emotional core. Their willingness to risk everything for each other exemplifies the power of familial love.

"You can find me, any of us, any time. Because we love you." (Page 142)

This reassurance from the Mrs. W's reminds readers that love creates unbreakable connections. No matter how far apart family members may be, their love serves as a constant that transcends physical distance.

"I have a brother," Meg said. "I have a father and a mother. I have faults, but I have a brother who loves me, and I love him. That's what makes me me.

This declaration comes at a crucial moment when Meg must choose between saving herself and saving her brother. The novel emphasizes that our connections to family define us in profound ways, shaping our identity and giving us strength.

Quotes About Good Versus Evil

The battle between light and darkness forms the backbone of the novel's plot. L'Engle presents this struggle in nuanced ways that avoid simple stereotypes.

"Evil is not a person, not a thing. It is a situation, a condition, a habit of living." (Page 167)

This sophisticated understanding of evil moves beyond seeing it as a force embodied in a single villain. Instead, L'Engle presents evil as something that can infect entire societies, as seen in the controlled world of Camazotz.

"The darkness is not a thing that can be fought. It is a thing that must be replaced by light." (Page 189)

This philosophy guides the characters throughout their journey. Rather than directly confronting the Dark Thing, they work to spread light, love, and happiness wherever they go.

Conclusion: The Timeless Wisdom of A Wrinkle in Time

The quotes from A Wrinkle in Time continue to inspire readers decades after their publication. On the flip side, they teach us that love is the most powerful force in the universe and that our differences are precisely what make us valuable. These quotes remind us that courage is not the absence of fear but the decision that something else matters more. Also, madeleine L'Engle crafted words that speak to fundamental human experiences: the fear of being different, the power of family bonds, and the ongoing struggle between light and darkness. Practically speaking, whether you are reading these quotes for the first time or returning to them as a beloved friend, they offer timeless wisdom for navigating life's challenges. The beauty of A Wrinkle in Time lies not only in its exciting adventure but in the profound truths embedded within its pages—truths that continue to illuminate the path for new generations of readers.