English 2F

Seminar #13
A Wrinkle in Time

Directions:

Think about these questions, in light of the material you read in Module 6 about fantasy.

Psychoanalytical and mythological theorists are concerned with the way authors portray the psychological, ethical, spiritualand creative concerns of the human race. They will search a text for clues about how the author feels about universal human questions about life and death, love and acceptance, identity and accountability and human nature in general.

  1. What do you think L'Engle suggests about human nature in this book - 'base' human nature as well as 'higher' human nature?
  2. What large, universal questions do the characters grapple with?
  3. What does L'Engle seem to think it means to be an ethical, compassionate human being?
  4. What do you think about the way L'Engle presents some of these abstract (and often problematic) themes? Do you feel they belong in a children's book? Why or why not?

Write a brief (1-2 paragraph) response to one or more of those questions. 

Post your paragraph using the "New Topic" button.  Postings will be due by Monday, 11/22 at midnight.

Respond to at least two of your classmates' paragraphs.  When you respond, do add something to the discussion. Don't just say "I agree" or "disagree".  Give specific reasons why you feel the way you do, examples from your own childhood or observations, and other evidence. Responses are due by midnight Monday, 11/29.

return to module 6 checklist return to assignment schedule