Surname 3
stormy night.” While it is dark and cold in the stormy weather, Murray’s kitchen is well-lit
and warm. Another example of imagery that depicts the conflict between good and evil is
when the author states that “The Crimson liquid spilled from the neck of the white dove,
staining and matting its pure white feathers" (L’Engle 12). Crimson, which is a thick dark
liquid is depicted to taint the pureness of the dove’s white feathers. Further, the author uses
imagery to show the power of light over darkness by stating that “The silver light from the
enormous moon poured over them, blending with the golden quality of the day, flowing over
the children, over Mrs. Whatsit over the mountain peak.” The text creates a clear image in the
human senses on how light or good overcame darkness or evil.
Allegory
Allegory is a literary device that has a greater meaning. In most cases, the author uses an
allegory so as to depict an abstract concept with a more corporeal object. Admittedly,
Madeleine L’ Engle incorporates numerous religious allegories in her novel “A Wrinkle in
Time” to highlight the notion of good over evil. For instance, Meg and Charles represent Eve
and Adam respectively. Notably, Charles requests Calvin to read for him a story in the book
of Genesis before walking in a garden and later eating apples. This is a religious allegory
showing that these characters are about to gain greater knowledge pertaining to good and
evil. Further, the three Mrs. Ws represent God’s guardians’ angels while the Black Thing also
has an agent of evil. “The silver light from the enormous moon poured over them, blending
with the golden quality of the day, flowing over the children, over Mrs. Whatsit over the
mountain peak (Engle 34).” A triumphant light, such as that following Jesus’ resurrection
shows that the good defeated evil at the long last.
In conclusion, Madeline L’Engle uses the symbolism to represent the conflict between
good and evil. A critical analysis of the novel’s characters and situations reveal that light is
used to indicate good while black is used to represent evil.