44 pages • 1 hour read
Madeleine L'EngleA Wind In The Door
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1973A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
The Echthroi
The Echthroi are symbolic of evil and nothingness in the novel and act as the novel’s antagonists. The Echthroi first appear in Meg’s family garden, taking the form of Mr. Jenkins, but when Louise the Larger approaches, Mr. Jenkins emits a terrible scream and flies into the air. Meg is completely baffled about what she’s seen but knows it represents coming conflict.
When Meg talks to Proginoskes about her encounter, he tells her about the Echthroi and how they are the start of all wars. Whereas Proginoskes is a Namer, the Echthroi seek to un-Name, which means they want humans and other creatures to forget who they are and their value in the universe. Proginoskes also describes them as “[s]ky tearers. Light snuffers. Planet darkeners. The dragons. The worms. Those who hate” (115). Thus, the Echthroi ultimately represent hate. Any time hate is present, the Echthroi are winning. L’Engle uses the Echthroi as a physical representation of an emotion that has done so much damage throughout human history. When Proginoskes says the Echthroi starts every war, he means that hate starts every war. The only thing that can defeat the Echthroi is Naming—or knowing one’s worth—and love.
Because they seek to destroy everything and turn it into nothing, The Echthroi intentionally seek those who don’t know themselves. This is why Charles Wallace and Mr. Jenkins are valuable targets. Charles Wallace knows he is smart and capable, yet he can’t adapt and fit into his peer group. Likewise, Mr. Jenkins doesn’t relate to others well and struggles to make deep relationships with others out of personal insecurity. The Echthroi feed off this and use Mr. Jenkins’s form because he is weak and can’t fight them off well. In the end, Charles Wallace and Mr. Jenkins overcome the Echthroi but not before they both learn their value and the lessons they need to fit in with their social groups and peers.
Naming
The act of Naming is a recurring motif that highlights themes around understanding others’ true identity. Naming is a skill that Proginoskes has mastered, as evidenced by his Naming of every star in every galaxy. Because Blajeny assigns Proginoskes to work with Meg, Proginoskes believes Meg must be a Namer, just as the Murry twins will become Teachers like Blajeny when they are older. Proginoskes teaches Meg that Namers not only know who people are but also who they are meant to be. This insight helps Meg Name the real Mr. Jenkins against two imposters. On a superficial level, Naming is identifying someone or something. However, the significance of Naming goes deeper. By Naming the real Mr. Jenkins, Meg recognizes him for who he truly is and his true nature. She sees him as a unique individual amid a mass of other people, showing that he is seen and understood.
By contrast, the Echthroi are un-Namers or non-Namers. They want everything to be nothing, which is the opposite of being unique. The Echthroi illustrate this when they taunt the farandolae not to Deepen but remain young and, seemingly, free. However, when the farandolae Deepen, they accept their role in the universe—or Charles Wallace’s mitochondria—and recognize their importance as a single element within the whole. Thus, when Meg and Calvin remind Sporos who he is and the role he plays in his universe, the Echthroi lose their power over Sporos. He then Deepens and encourages his fellow farandolae to Deepen with him. This event illustrates the power of being recognized, known, and wanted, something many young readers can relate to.
Louise the Larger
Louise the Larger is a large yet gentle black garden snake the Murry twins have befriended. The twins named the snake after family friend Dr. Louise Colubra, the same doctor who tries to help Mrs. Murry understand what’s making Charles Wallace ill. The doctor and snake also have an interesting connection because the word colubra means female snake. In Chapter 11, Meg is inside Yadah but sees a vision of Dr. Colubra trying to help Charles Wallace breathe. As she watches, Meg realizes she doesn’t know if she’s watching the doctor or the snake helping Charles Wallace. This shows a clear connection between Louises, though that connection is not defined clearly in the novel.
While Louise is a Teacher like Blajeny and can kythe with Meg, she also acts as a guide to Meg. She encourages Meg to keep going and wishes Meg well on the journey. Louise likewise plays a secondary role in the action, often warning others of danger while staying out of the fight against the Echthroi. Thus, Louise represents the quiet, steady presence of hope and endurance when facing trials. She councils others when needed but doesn’t play a significant role in defeating the Echthroi. However, without Louise’s gentle guidance, it’s unclear if Meg and her friends would have been successful. Louise also provides comfort to Meg when Proginoskes Xes himself. By seeing Louise in the garden after saving Charles Wallace, Meg understands that Proginoskes is ok and that all will be well. The snake's role in the novel is less exciting than some other characters, yet everyone feels Louise’s quiet power and is uplifted because of it.
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By Madeleine L'Engle
