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Read Chapters 7-9; Complete Student Packet Worksheets for Chapters 7-9

Ask students what they think about when they see these symbols: American flag, peace sign, Nike swoosh logo, a skull with crossbones. In their minds, what do these symbols stand for? Note: You may write symbols for these words on chart paper or the board as a visual reference for your students.

will explain that sometimes ideas, objects, or characters in stories have a higher meaning beyond what they seem to be. Science fiction authors like to use symbols to stand for ideas and situations that could happen in the real world. I will think about the characters, ideas, or objects I have read about in A Wrinkle in Time and what real life ideas these could stand for.

I will examine the character we come across in Chapter 7, “The Man with the Red Eyes.” This character is described to have bright eyes with a reddish glow. His eyes pulse and throb in steady rhythm. Charles Wallace says that the man is being controlled by someone or something else. I will write the details about this character on chart paper.

By looking at all of the details, I can begin to think about what this character could stand for or symbolize. When I think about all the details I know about the character, I can use the details to figure out what higher meaning this character might have. The Man with the Red Eyes has glowing eyes and he seems like he is being controlled by something. A character like this might also remind me of a devil, because of the red eyes. Therefore, I could say that this character might symbolize evil or being controlled by evil.

Ask: "How can I figure out if a character, object, or an idea symbolizes something greater?" Students should answer that they can write down details about the character, object, or idea and then think about the higher meaning to figure out what the character, object, or idea could symbolize.

will examine the Mrs. W’s and discuss what they could symbolize. First, we will write down characteristics of these characters. For example, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which are kind. They offer help. They have wisdom. They give good advice about what the children should do on Camazotz.

Next, I will think about the characteristics of the Mrs. W’s to come to a conclusion about what these characters might symbolize. The Mrs. W’s are kind and supportive. Their support and kindness helps the children accomplish what they set out to do. Therefore, these characters could symbolize the good in this world and how good can help you overcome obstacles.

will work with a partner to choose one of the following characters: Meg, Charles Wallace, or Calvin. You will think about what the character you have chosen could symbolize. You will write down details about the character on the Symbols Brainstorm page in your Student Packet. Then, you will use these details to think about the higher meaning or symbols of the character. (See page 16 in the Student Packet.)

will come back together to share our thoughts about what Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin might symbolize. We will keep a list of possible meanings or symbols for these characters on the board or chart paper. We will engage in a discussion about the following questions: What do these characters all have in common? Do they symbolize the same thing? Why do science fiction authors use symbols in their stories?