Constance+and+Dara

**“Mrs Whatsit” (page 1) ** Theme: Appearance versus Reality Why: Mrs Whatsit is a weird name, and her appearance is very absurd in the beginning. The author is making Mrs Whatsit seem very weird and “funny”, but in actual fact Mrs Whatsit is actually a very loving “person”. The author may also be trying to say that we should not judge someone by appearance and first impression, but we should at least take time to get to know the person before we make our decision about the person. **“It was a dark and stormy night.” (page 1) ** Theme: Fear Why: This is a clichéd lead-in, as it is often used when they want to create a spooky atmosphere, especially in ghost stories or when the first place the author wants to introduce is a haunted house. The sound of it is very scary, and makes the reader feel very scared and frightened. The author may be trying to tell us that storms are scary and often hard to deal with, but if we face up to our fear, we will succeed and we will also get rid of the fear. **“On top of me… everything wrong.” (page 2) ** Theme: Self-Acceptance/ Conformity versus Individuality Why: Meg does not accept herself and hates herself. She is always trying to conform so that others will like her better. I think that the author is trying to say that only when one learns to accept himself, only then others will accept him for what he is, and may be he may be come popular. Also, the author may be trying to say that you have to love yourself and accept yourself, and you should not try to conform just to be well-liked. **“‘I don’t understand… poor student.’” (page 2) ** Theme: Appearance versus Reality Why: Meg is actually very gifted in Maths, because she is able to solve maths problems very quickly when she takes the shortcuts that she had learned while playing with numbers with her father when she was younger. But, she is unable to show everyone her gift because her school wants her to do the maths problems the long way. I think the author may be trying to tell us that just because we do not know someone has a gift, or we do not see the gift, it does not mean that that person does not have that gift. Therefore we should not call someone “dumb” just because he does not __appear__ to have any gift. **“‘After all… act like one?’” (page 2) ** Theme: Appearance versus Reality Why: Meg had fooled around during lunch to make herself feel better. However, she was misunderstood and the girls thought she was trying to act like a baby. It could be because Meg does not really conform, so the girls do not understand her. The author may be trying to say that it is very hard to “survive” without conforming and __acting__ like everyone else, because many people just look on the appearance level, and do not bother to look deeper into what people really are. **“At this… under one eye.” (page 2) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Meg loves Charles Wallace so much so that she would go all out to defend anything against him. She is very protective of him. The author may be trying to describe that love is all-powerful and can work wonders. Love is greater than all things and one can do anything for one he loves. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“Sandy and Dennys… told her.” (page 2) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Sandy and Dennys would rather to do the fighting to protect Charles Wallace than let Meg do it, because they do not want her to get hurt. The author may be trying to tell us that love is powerful, especially mutual love within a family. This really makes sense when Dennys says “‘… Sandy and I’ll sock anyone who picks on him, but that’s about all we can do.”, which shows that Sandy and Dennys really care about Charles Wallace and will protect him, to help Meg. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“A delinquent… they’ll be saying next.” (page 2) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Conformity versus Individuality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Meg did not conform to the rest because she knew the shortcuts for the maths problem sums and refused to do them the long way. She was rather stubborn about this, and it affected her school life greatly. Because she did not conform, everyone around her thought that she was subnormal and commented that she and Charles Wallace “aren’t all there”. The author may be saying that when people do not conform, they are said to be stupid, subnormal or dumb. The author may also be trying to say that it is not correct as, on Camazotz, everyone conforms and is the same, but it is not good, because the people do not know good and bad, happiness and sadness, and their lives do not belong to them. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“Surely it must… of her expression.” (page 3) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Appearance versus Reality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Mrs Murry is upset and lonely, because Mr Murry has gone away on government work. She is often able to hide it, such that many people __think__ that she is not lonely or sad at all. Meg, on the other hand, cannot hide anything at all, because she is too straightforward to do so. I think that the author is trying to warn us that things may not always be the way they seem, and even though someone may look evil, he maybe a softhearted person. The author may also be trying to explain that some people are more straightforward than others, and it is okay whichever you are, straightforward or not, as long as you love and respect and accept yourself. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘dumb baby brother’” (page 3) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Appearance versus Reality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Charles Wallace appears to be dumb because he does not speak in front of other people, so much so that they think that he never learned to talk. I think that the author is trying to explain that not everything that we see or experience is the reality and truth and that we cannot rely on our experience alone. We cannot judge one for what he appears to be in front of our eyes, because not everyone has a chance to show their good side all the time, and some people may not have such a dominant bad side to hem. But, everyone has their own good and bad, and you may not know the good and bad sides to person, and may not know enough about him to judge him. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“uncanny way” (page 3) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Giftedness <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: The definition of uncanny, according to dictionary.com, is “having or seeming to have a supernatural or inexplicable basis; beyond the ordinary or normal; extraordinary”. Charles Wallace had the extraordinary power to “read minds”. I think that the author is trying to say that everyone has gifts, even people like Charles Wallace, the ‘dumb baby brother’. I think that the author is trying to say that sometimes, when the gifts are a bit more out of the ordinary and unusual, people get frightened and start to bully the one with the unusual gift, and gossip about him. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“You asked to… savagely.” (page 4) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Courage <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Meg asked to have the attic bedroom. As the attic is very small, it can probably only house one person, so Meg is very brave to face up to her fear of loneliness by taking the attic bedroom. I think the author is trying to say that a definition of courage is facing up to any fears we have. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘Go back… monster like me.’” (page 4) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Self-Acceptance <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Meg cannot accept her looks and calls herself a monster. I think that the author is trying to tell us that if we learn to accept ourselves (inclusive of looks), we will be happier, and life would be much easier for us. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“monster… brace.” (page 4) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Appearance versus Reality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Meg makes herself look like a monster when inside she is just angry with herself. She is actually a very loving girl and overprotective of Charles Wallace. I think the author is trying to tell us that in times of anger, we should not look on the negative side, but be optimistic and try to solve the problem, because the problem will be worse otherwise. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“They weren’t … bad ones, either.” (page 5) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Conformity versus Individuality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Sandy and Dennys were able to conform, because they were average in school work, as most others were. They were able to fit in with the rest of their schoolmates. I think that the author is trying to say that conforming need not mean being the best possible. I also think that the author is trying to say that you have to accept yourself before others will accept you and like you. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“He looked… above the floor.” (page 6) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Appearance versus Reality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Charles Wallace, being small sized and young, seemed very small and vulnerable, in comparison to the big dining table, especially since his feet were swinging 6 inches (about 15cm-18cm) above the floor. I think that the author is trying to say that one who appears vulnerable may actually be smart and strong and powerful. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘How do… me?’” (page 8) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Meg asks her father how he knows that she is not dumb, and asks if it is just because he loves her. This quote shows that love can overcome anything. I think that the author is trying to explain this, and tell everyone that we do not have to be smart or good in something to be loved. I am reminded of a commercial whereby there was an autistic boy who was not liked but his classmates, but his mother still loved him and wanted to help him. The author may have been trying to stress this fact – that if you are loved, you will always be loved, if you are loved for whom you are. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“began to… have been!” (page 8) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Giftedness <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: The phrase “with none of the usual baby preliminaries” shows that when Charles Wallace started talking, he could speak better than any young child. His diction was clearer than any young child, and he used many difficult words, and complete sentences. But, he started to talk after the usual time that young children start talking. I think that the author is trying to say that our gifts may take some time to develop, and that we should not think that we are not gifted, just because we take a longer time to develop than average people. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“The warmth… were gone.” (page 9) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Meg had been afraid in the attic, but when she was in the kitchen kneeling at her mother’s feet, she was relaxed because the love and warmth of the house and Charles Wallace and her mother had warmed her. I think that the author is trying to tell us that love can calm a troubled person and can turn things around, from negative to positive (maybe vice versa is possible too). **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“ ‘A happy medium” (page 10) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Self-Acceptance <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: A happy medium is to find the middle of two extremes, so that one does not overdo or underdo anything. In this case, Meg has to learn not to expect too much of herself, and she must try to accept herself for who she is, instead of trying to pretend that she is a totally different person. I think that the author is trying to tell us that an important thing in life is being the best of ourselves we can, and not trying to pretend we are other people or wasting our lives away. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘I //hate// being an odd man out.’”(page 11) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Conformity versus Individuality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Why: Meg cannot conform to the rest of her schoolmates/ classmates. She does not want to do her problem sums the long way and sets up a mental block for herself not to do her homework or try to be attentive in class. Naturally, because of all this, she is often called to the principal, Mr Jenkins’ office. Thus, it is natural that she does not fit in and nobody wants to be associated with her. The author maybe trying to say that sometimes being odd ones out is very tough but it could possibly be caused by one’s behaviour. May be the author is also talking about domino effects. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“or if they’re just able to pretend” (page 11) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Appearance versus Reality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Sandy and Dennys may or may not be able to fit in with the rest of the boys of their age, but they are at least able to pretend that they fit in and are rather well liked. The author may be trying to say that sometimes some people pretend better than others. This can sometimes help them to fit in where they do not fit in. However, those who are more straightforward and cannot pretend cannot do so. The author could be trying to ask us what we think one should do if one cannot fit in with the rest and is too straightforward to pretend. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“It seemed… idea of a tramp.” (page 15) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Appearance versus Reality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Meg already thinks that Mrs Whatsit is the tramp who stole Mrs Buncombe’s sheets before she even saw Mrs Whatsit and got to know her. I think that the author is trying to say that the author is trying to say that we should not judge others based on what we have heard about them, or our preconception of them. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘Tell your… are good.’” (page 17) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Appearance versus Reality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Mrs Whatsit is actually a kind and gentle person but was regarded as a tramp because she stole Mrs Buncombe’s sheets and was out-of-the-ordinary. I think the author is trying to say that we should not call others names when we have not gotten to know them and we should not spread rumors about others just because they do not conform. Also, we should not judge others by what we have heard before we confirm about it and give them a chance to explain. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘My but… understand him.’” (page 17) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Giftedness <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Charles Wallace is quick witted and smarter than usual, and is thus able to think up such quick and good replies. However, because of his giftedness, he is often misunderstood and rumored about. I think that the author is saying that gifted people often do not conform and are misunderstood and bullied. We should not do this as we should celebrate gifts, not treat them as curses. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘But at least… himself.’” (page 18) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: None of the Murrys can understand Charles Wallace. But, they still love him and let him be himself. I think that through this quote, the author is trying to explore what it means to love someone else. The author is trying to tell us that to love someone else, we have to accept him for who he is and let him be who he is. **__<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">CHAPTER 2: __** **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“You don’t… heaven’s sake.” (page 23) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Sandy loved Meg and wanted to help her fit in better. He tried to tell her what she could do to try and fit in. I think the author is trying to show family love and tough love, because sometimes love can come through scoldings. I think that the author is saying that we must be open to any type of advice, because only those who love us and want the best for us would give us advice, while those who do not scold us do not actually care. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“Sandy and I’ll… all we can do.” (page 23) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Dennys cares about Charles Wallace to suggest that he and Sandy help Charles Wallace fight, which might cause them not to be so well-liked in future, and this is something that a lot of people cannot give up. I think that the author is trying to show that only people who love you will bother to give up anything and try their best to support you and help you. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“When she tells me… I’ll believe that.’” (page 26) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Meg believes in whatever her mother says. This shows that she has trust in her mother. I think that the author is saying that within a family, trust plays an important part. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘No doubt your… coming home, Meg.” (page 26) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Mrs Murry trusts that Mr Murry will come home. Once again, I think that the author is trying to point out that, without trust in one another, a family would not be a family. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“if they find out… her to jail.’” (page 27) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Appearance versus Reality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: At this point of time, to everybody but Charles Wallace, Mrs Whatsit is a bad “person”. Meg thinks that she deserves to be in jail but she does not want to say it out loud and possibly hurt Charles Wallace’s feelings. I think that the author is trying to say that sometimes, people hide things to prevent hurting others feelings, so they say it in a more indirect way. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘One of the reasons… warn them.’” (page 27) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Charles Wallace loves Mrs Whatsit, so he does not want her to be caught. He wants to warn her about the dangers. I think the author is trying to show that only one who loves you will bother to warn you of any dangers or whatsoever. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“Charles Wallace slipped… she thought.” (page 28) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Charles Wallace cares about Meg and is very protective of her. He cares about what she is thinking and how she is feeling. I think the author is trying to point out how great love is, that because Charles Wallace loves Meg, he cares about her, and comforts her, he wants her to feel better. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘Thinking… feel smug about,’” (page 31) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Giftedness <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Charles Wallace is very gifted, but his gift is very scary. Thus, others try to calm themselves and make themselves superior to him. They call him a moron and “bully” him. The author is trying to explain that a gift may become a curse, without the right conditions for development, and how a gift may cause someone a lot of trouble. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘Why should I disillusion them?’” (page 31) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Appearance versus Reality <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Everyone (except the Murrys) pretends that Charles Wallace is dumb and a moron. They think this so much, and they spread it, and they all have the illusion that he cannot talk. But, in reality, he can talk just like any grown up, with a clear diction and difficult vocabulary. **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">“‘I’ve never even… I’m going home.” (page 36) ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Theme: Love <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Why: Calvin felt so much love and warmth that he felt he was going home. I think that the author is trying to show that one important concept that makes a home a home and not just a house is that at home, there is love and warmth and values.
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">CHAPTER 1: __**