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A Wrinkle in Time Chapter 6 Summary

In Chapter 6 of *A Wrinkle in Time*, Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin meet the Happy Medium, who reveals the oppressive force known as the Black Thing threatening the universe. They learn that while darkness looms over Earth, it is countered by the efforts of great historical figures. The chapter emphasizes themes of good versus evil, hope, love, and the necessity of facing unpleasant truths as they prepare to confront the dangers of Camazotz.

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24 views2 pages

A Wrinkle in Time Chapter 6 Summary

In Chapter 6 of *A Wrinkle in Time*, Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin meet the Happy Medium, who reveals the oppressive force known as the Black Thing threatening the universe. They learn that while darkness looms over Earth, it is countered by the efforts of great historical figures. The chapter emphasizes themes of good versus evil, hope, love, and the necessity of facing unpleasant truths as they prepare to confront the dangers of Camazotz.

Uploaded by

Asif Aman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A Wrinkle in Time – Chapter 6: "The Happy Medium" (Detailed Summary)

After witnessing the beauty of Uriel, Meg Murry, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O'Keefe, along
with their celestial guides—Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which—prepare for their next
lesson in understanding the battle between good and evil. This chapter takes them to a new
destination, where they meet the Happy Medium, a mystical woman who helps them see the
truth about the universe through her crystal ball.

The Journey to the Happy Medium


The group is transported to an unknown planet in the region of Orion’s Belt. Unlike the
bright and beautiful Uriel, this place is a deep cavernous space, filled with a sense of
mystery. Mrs. Whatsit explains that they have come to meet someone who will help them
better understand the nature of the darkness that threatens the universe.

Inside a cave, they meet the Happy Medium, a round, jolly woman who is always smiling.
She is dressed in a long, flowing robe and is surrounded by an air of contentment. Despite
her name, she is not 'medium' in size but is called so because of her ability to see the truth in
her crystal ball. She prefers to focus on happy things and avoid unpleasant truths, but the
Mrs. W’s insist that she must help the children understand the gravity of their mission.

The Vision of the Black Thing


Although the Happy Medium is reluctant, Mrs. Whatsit persuades her to show the children
what they must see. She holds up her large crystal ball, and a vision begins to appear.

The children see an enormous, oppressive shadow stretching across the universe. This dark
force, called the Black Thing, is what Meg had briefly glimpsed earlier on Uriel. It is a
terrible, pulsing darkness that threatens to consume everything in its path. The Happy
Medium explains that it is a source of evil and suffering, a force that suppresses love, joy,
and free will.

The Black Thing’s Influence on Earth


Meg, horrified by the vision, asks if the Black Thing is present on Earth. The Happy Medium
shifts the view in her crystal ball, and the children see their home planet. A shadowy
darkness looms over Earth, just like on the other affected planets. Meg is heartbroken,
realizing that this force is responsible for the suffering, cruelty, and struggles that she has
seen in the world.

However, Mrs. Whatsit reassures them that Earth is different from fully controlled planets
like Camazotz. Many great figures throughout history—such as Jesus, Buddha, Shakespeare,
Einstein, Beethoven, and other artists, philosophers, and scientists—have fought against
this darkness by bringing truth, love, and knowledge to the world. Their contributions have
helped keep the Black Thing at bay, even though the battle is ongoing.
A Glimpse of Meg’s Mother
The Happy Medium then shifts the vision to a new scene: Mrs. Murry at home in the lab,
writing a letter to Mr. Murry. Meg watches in sorrow as her mother sits alone, looking sad
and longing for her husband’s return. She is writing words of love and hope, even though
she doesn’t know if he will ever read them.

The Next Destination: Camazotz


Mrs. Which then informs the children that it is time to move forward. Their next stop is
Camazotz, a planet that has completely fallen under the control of the Black Thing. Unlike
Earth, where the darkness is being fought against, Camazotz is entirely dominated by it,
making it a dangerous place to travel.

Final Message from the Happy Medium


Before they leave, the Happy Medium, in a rare moment of seriousness, reminds them of
one crucial truth: even in the darkest places, light can shine through. She tells them that
while the fight against darkness is difficult, it is never hopeless. There is always a way
forward if they have courage and love in their hearts.

Themes in Chapter 6
• The Battle Between Good and Evil – The Black Thing represents oppression, fear, and
darkness, while great thinkers and creators on Earth symbolize the fight for light,
knowledge, and love.

• The Power of Hope – Despite overwhelming darkness, figures throughout history have
resisted it, showing that even small acts of good can make a difference.

• Love and Family Bonds – Meg’s love for her father and her sorrow for her mother’s pain
fuel her determination. This emotional connection is a driving force in her journey.

• Truth vs. Ignorance – The Happy Medium initially avoids unpleasant realities, but facing
the truth is necessary for real change.

Conclusion
Chapter 6 is a turning point in *A Wrinkle in Time*, as Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin fully
understand the nature of their mission. They are no longer just searching for Meg’s father;
they are part of a much greater fight against an ancient evil. With new knowledge and
strengthened resolve, they prepare to enter Camazotz, the most dangerous place yet.

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