“My training in physics has taught me that there is no such thing as coincidence.”

Mr. Murry makes this statement after the strange events that follow the recitation of the rune. His comment suggests that events in the universe are connected. This idea supports the novel’s belief that choices made in the past influence what happens in the present and future, developing the theme of The Interconnectedness of Past, Present, and Future.

“Somehow or other she’s got something to do with Branzillo.”

Charles Wallace makes this remark about Mrs. O’Keefe while discussing the evening’s events with Meg. His intuition serves as foreshadowing, hinting that the elderly woman’s past is linked to the dangerous dictator threatening the world. This moment begins the search through family history that will reveal how earlier events shaped the present crisis.

“That joy in existence without which the universe will fall apart and collapse.”

Charles Wallace uses this phrase to explain the meaning of the name Ananda, which he gives to a stray dog. The description presents joy as a force that helps sustain life and harmony in the universe. This idea reflects the novel’s belief that creation depends on connection and balance rather than destruction.

“‘Echthroi,’ Gaudior repeated. ‘The ancient enemy. He who distorted the harmony, and who has gathered an army of destroyers. They are everywhere in the universe.’”

Gaudior explains that the Echthroi are forces that distort harmony and bring destruction to the universe. Their influence extends across time and human history. The conflict with Branzillo therefore becomes part of a larger struggle between the forces that sustain creation and those that seek to destroy it.

“And then a dazzling star turned its back on the dark, and it swallowed the dark, and in swallowing the dark it became the dark, and there was something wrong with the dark, as there was something wrong with the light. And it was not good. The glory of the harmony was broken by screeching, by hissing, by laughter which held no merriment but was hideous, horrendous cacophony.”

This passage, which describes the moment when harmony in the universe is disrupted and destructive forces emerge, uses biblical allusion (“And it was not good”) to frame the origin of evil, revealing L’Engle’s debt to Christian cosmology. The vision shows how the balance of creation can be broken and replaced with disorder and conflict. It introduces the larger struggle that Charles Wallace must confront in his journey through time.

“But there is always a moment when there is a Might-Have-Been. What we must do is find the Might-Have-Beens which have led to this particular evil. […] It is possible that you can move into the moment of a Might-Have-Been and change it.”

Gaudior delivers exposition, explaining that history contains moments when different choices could have led to different outcomes. Charles Wallace’s task is to find one of these moments and change it. If he succeeds, the destructive future threatened by nuclear war can be prevented.

“‘We’ve been blown into a Projection, a possible future, a future the Echthroi want to make real.’ His breath came in gasping gulps; his flanks heaved wildly under Charles Wallace’s legs.”

Gaudior explains that the Echthroi can show visions of possible futures shaped by destruction. These projections reveal what could happen if their influence is not stopped. Seeing this future helps Charles Wallace understand the importance of changing events in the past.

“There is room for no more than one king in this place, little brother, and I, who am the elder, am that king. […] But here I am king and god and I have come to let the Wind People know that I reign over the lake and all the lands around. The Old Man’s daughter is mine.”

Gwydyr makes this declaration during his conflict with his brother Madoc. His desire for power and control creates a division that affects later generations and establishes the motif of brother against brother. This rivalry becomes part of the chain of events that eventually contributes to the rise of the dictator Branzillo.

“Ripples moved over the shallow oval and the reflection shimmered […] until it was no longer the face of a man but of a screaming baby. The face receded until Madoc saw a black-haired woman holding and rocking the baby. ‘You shall be great, little Madog,’ she said, ‘and call the world your own, to keep or destroy as you will.’”

Madoc sees this vision while looking into a reflective surface. The image reveals the birth of a future descendant whose actions will influence the world. The moment links the events of the past to the later threat posed by Mad Dog Branzillo.

“Life has been nothing but hard work for Ritchie, with no time for seeing pictures or dreaming dreams. Your mother tells me that in Wales there are people who are gifted with the second sight, and that these people may be feared for their gift but they are not frowned on.”

Zylle says this while speaking with Brandon about his unusual abilities. She explains that some people possess “second sight,” a gift that allows them to see beyond ordinary reality. Her comment contrasts the suspicion of supernatural abilities in the American settlement with a tradition that accepts such gifts as natural.

“I only know that Jesus of Nazareth sings the true song. He knows the ancient harmonies.”

Zylle says this when Pastor Mortmain accuses her of pagan beliefs. She explains that her faith connects with the same harmony that sustains creation. Her statement suggests that spiritual truth can exist beyond strict religious divisions.

“And then Brandon cried aloud the words which Zillo had taught him.

‘With Zylle in this fateful hour

I call on all Heaven with its power

[…]

And the lightning with its rapid wrath—’”

During the trial of Zylle, Brandon recites part of the Rune of St. Patrick to protect her. As he speaks the prayer, lightning strikes the church. The moment shows how the rune serves as a spiritual defense against destructive forces.

“When Madoc is spelled the Welsh way, it’s Madog! Get it? […] Madog. Mad Dog. It’s a play on words. Mad Dog Branzillo may really be Madog.”

After his journey through the past, Charles Wallace realizes that the name Madoc is closely connected to the modern dictator, Mad Dog Branzillo. This discovery links the present crisis to events that occurred centuries earlier. The connection reinforces the novel’s idea that past actions shape future consequences.

“As water and darkness joined to blot out Charles Wallace’s consciousness, he heard a ringing in his ears, and through the ringing a voice calling, ‘The rune, Chuck! Say it! Say the rune!’”

While struggling in icy water after an attack, Charles Wallace hears Meg urging him to speak the rune. Her voice reaches him despite the distance between them. The moment shows the strong bond between the siblings and reminds Charles Wallace of the spiritual protection the rune provides.

“Meg opened her eyes in amazement. Branwen Zillah Maddox. B.Z. Beezie. Mrs. O’Keefe. That golden child was Mrs. O’Keefe.”

This passage describes a moment of anagnorisis, or recognition, as Meg realizes that Mrs. O’Keefe is the same person who appeared earlier in Charles Wallace’s visions of the past. This discovery reveals how the histories of the Murry and O’Keefe families are connected. It also shows how events in earlier generations continue to influence the present.

“The names. Bran. Zillah. Zillie. Put them together and they aren’t far from Branzillo.”

Mrs. O’Keefe notices that the names of her ancestors resemble the name of the modern dictator Branzillo. Her observation helps reveal the historical connection between past family events and the current political threat. This realization helps the Murrys understand how the crisis developed over time.

“When the time is ripe, Chuck will let you know. From the other side of darkness, Chuck will let you know, will let you know, will let…”

Mrs. O’Keefe’s mother speaks these words as a prophecy about Charles Wallace’s role in the future, the repetition and elliptical ending creating a mystical, incantatory tone. She suggests that Chuck will reveal important knowledge when the right moment arrives. Her statement also serves as foreshadowing, hinting that difficult events will occur before the information needed to prevent disaster becomes clear.

“‘You were selected because you are an extraordinary young man and your gifts and your brains qualify you. […] You are the only one who can control the Might-Have-Been.’ Charles Wallace’s stomach was churning.”

An Echthroi disguised as a unicorn tries to persuade Charles Wallace to control the moment that could change history. The voice appeals to his pride and intelligence in order to mislead him. Charles Wallace’s physical reaction shows that he senses the danger and rejects the offer.

“As the veil deepened and darkened, his inner vision lightened.”

After his injury, Chuck’s outward awareness dims while his inner vision becomes stronger. This change allows him to perceive events across time and help guide Charles Wallace during the final stage of the mission. The sentence emphasizes the connection between literal darkness and figurative insight through juxtaposition.

“This book is pushing me, Zillah, making me write it. […] What happens in one time can make a difference in what happens in another time, far more than we realize. What Gedder does is going to make a difference, to the book, perhaps to the world. Nothing, no one, is too small to matter.”

Matthew Maddox explains that he feels compelled to write a story about the events unfolding in Vespugia. He believes that actions in one time can affect events in another. His words reflect the idea that individual choices can influence the future in ways people may not expect.

“I’ve earned the money by my writing. It’s mine to do with what I will Zillah, Bran needs you. You must go. You will swing the balance.”

Matthew decides to use his earnings to send Zillah to Vespugia so that she can marry Bran. His choice changes the course of events that lead to the future crisis. This moment becomes the key decision that alters history, epitomizing Love as a Transformative Force.

“Gedder reaches after it, snarling with anger, reaching for the knife so that he loses his balance and falls—falls after the knife, over the edge of the cliff, falls, falls…”

During the conflict in Vespugia, Gedder lunges for the knife and falls to his death. His fall helps prevent the line of events that would have led to the future rise of El Rabioso. The repetition of “falls” slows the narrative pace and emphasizes the finality of the Gwydyr line’s downfall.

“All these I place

By God’s almighty help and grace

Between myself and the powers of darkness!”

Meg and the others repeat the Rune of St. Patrick as they try to help Charles Wallace return safely. The prayer calls for protection against destructive forces. Its use shows the family’s reliance on faith and unity during the final moments of the crisis.