Camille Embree

2nd
Hero Cycle project:
A Wrinkle in Time​ - Madeleine L’engle

Call to Adventure ~ The call to adventure in this book, A Wrinkle in Time shows up very
early in the novel. First being introduced on page 8, it's said that “it was still not possible to think
about [Meg’s] father with the danger of tears”. This shows he is missing, and Meg misses him
gravely. On page 69, Mrs. Whatsit responds to Calvin, saying “‘The life of your father isn’t at
stake’”, referring to Meg and Charles’ dad being in a life threatening situation. This dilemma is
what they go to face as a group, hoping to save Meg’s father. Throughout the story they focus
on Meg’s side of the story, creating a heroine. This helps develop the plot immensely, and
during the duration of this adventure the universal theme of patience is explored.

Supernatural Aid ~ Three large mentors present throughout this book are Mrs Whatsit,
Mrs Who, and Mrs Which. They are each beings who can metamorphosize into any creature or
thing. This allows them to help immensely throughout their journey, flying the children up onto
mountains, through lands, and even allowing them to travel through time and space. As Mrs.
Whatsit changes forms first, she states, “‘You can’t go on changing my name every time I
metamorphose’”, showing they can and will change many times (pg. 74). In addition to this, they
help supply the children with gifts aiding them on their journey. While they couldn't go with them,
“[they were] allowed to give [them] a little talisman” (pg.112). These mentors give great advice of
accepting and appreciating your differences, no matter what others think of you.

Crossing the Threshold ~ The three Mrs. W’s help the children travel to different planets
through time and space by traveling through the fifth dimension. As Meg puts it, “there was a
gust of wind and a great thrust and a sharp shattering as she was shoved through” (pg. 89).
Using this description helps develop the idea of a new setting for the majority of the novel. While
they travel to two more planets throughout the story, this was the initial crossing and the
explanation, helping us understand easier. This step once again helps us explore the theme of
importance of patience.

Road of Trials ~ Multiple trials are faced within this book, A Wrinkle in Time. A few
examples are the planet of Camazotz, the Dark Thing, and IT. In chapter 7, Charles, Meg, and
Calvin discuss how to begin the journey within the CENTRAL Central Intelligence. They notice
that “there isn’t any handle or knob or latch”, wondering if “there’s another way to get in” (pg.
128). They also have to resist the urge if IT, which was “pounding insistently against Meg’s
brain...boring [its] way into her skull” (pg. 136).

Ultimate Boone ~ On page 165 Meg reunited with her father, screaming in joy, “‘Oh,
Father! Oh, Father!’” This pulls at our heart strings a lot, creating a sense of hope. The entirety
of the meet up seems to symbolize hope in a way. While Meg hasn’t seen her father in years,
we later learn that he was nearly going to give in to IT. The fact that Meg and Calvin used the
glasses and went to save him gives lots of hope for the future. This is the final step that looks
deeply into patience, as during the book Meg has been aching and begging to once again see
her father. All of her waiting has finally become worth it.

Meeting With the Goddess ~ In ​A Wrinkle in Time​ Meg meets an alien she ends up
calling “Aunt Beast”. Meg, Calvin, and Mr. Murry have tessered to a new planet, escaping IT,
but in the process Meg was greatly injured. She is freezing and very ill, her heart slowing down.
As stated on page 198, “her father had not saved her; the beasts had”. This characterization of
the creature, making it kind and gentle, teaches us a lot about accepting differences as well as
not judging books by their covers.

Magic Flight ~ As Meg builds her strength back, She realizes Charles has been left at
Camazotz. On page 216 she comes to the conclusion that “it has to be [her]. It can’t be anyone
else”. As she tessers back to the city in which he’s kept, she finally beats IT. Directly after,
Charles Wallace and her both tesser quickly to Earth, being the magic flight. This fast change in
setting shows that sometimes you must wait to celebrate your wins.

Crossing the Return Threshold ~ Directly after the magic flight Charles and Meg return
home. They tesser back to Earth and Meg can finally “feel the earth beneath her” (pg. 230). As
they arrive, they realize that Calvin and and Mr. Murry are already there waiting. The rest of the
Murry’s come outside and a long, joyful greeting occurs. This change of setting helps to
conclude the book and gives the universal truth that with patience, hope, and determination, all
will end well.

Amores Perros
*All quotes roughly translated to English*

Call to Adventure ~ the call to adventure in the movie, ​Amores Perros​ occurs when
Susana informs Octavio that “[She is] pregnant again” (18:12). Though Susana is married to
Octavio's brother, Ramiro, they share feelings for each other and Octavio worries, trying to find
solutions. Due to this, he offers the idea that Susana “come away with [him]”, beginning to enter
his brother’s dog into fights for money (18:58). This helps develop Octavio’s character, showing
his feelings for Susana, as well as his brave personality.

Refusal of the call ~ Susana says “no Octavio. not this way”, not wanting anymore
trouble with her husband (26:29). Next, at 48:12, she tells Octavio, “Don’t fight [Cofi] anymore”.
This shows that Susana is a kind person, afraid of being hurt and in trouble. Later in the story,
we will learn that this relates back to a universal truth. She will show that you must not be afraid,
and you must follow your heart and be strong.

Road of Trials ~ Octavio gets in many fights with his brother (Susana’s husband)
throughout the film. They fight a lot, verbally and physically. His brother confronts him saying he
“heard [Octavio was] getting rich with [his] dog” (40:20). He demand that he “get[s] half the
winnings”, but Octavio refuses (40:31). This leads to guns and fighting, but of course Octavio
overcomes his obstacle. This develops the plot showing the audience that Octavio’s brother
now knows about his dog fights and is out to get him, also building onto his rude villainous
character.

Seducing hero away from his path ~ Jarocho is offering to bet Octavio a lot of money for
a dog fight, in fact, “he’ll bet forty thousand” (44:19). Octavio has to be very strong against this
tempting force. Through characterization this helps us learn that we need to focus on what
more important than money, life.

The hero finds the power within ~ As Jarocho stabs Octavio’s dog, he gets deeply sad,
Jarocho only making it much worse by asking, “forgot something princess?”, mocking him
(56:37). In that moment, he’s overwhelmed by the numb feeling of anger and grief, marches up
to Jarocho, and stabs him with a knife. This shows that Octavio’s character has little strength
against himself when it comes to control. As many people get upset and chase after him, it also
gives us the advice of learning self control in order to survive this crazy world.

Magic Flight ~ Directly after Octavio stabs Jarocho, men begin chasing him, shouting
“stop him!” over and over, as well as lots of foul language I can’t quote (56:47). This is where
the magic flight occurs. Octavio and George, his close friend, gather up Cofi and speed away in
a car, almost escaping the unforgiving crowd. This builds a lot of suspense within the plot of
Amores Perros​.

Rescue from without ~ directly after the magic flight Octavio and George are a part and
cause of a major car crash. While George dies immediately on impact, Octavio spends some
time in the hospital and loses nothing more than his hair. He develops as a character growing
strength and becoming less ignorant.

Crossing the Return Threshold ~ After being released from the hospital, Octavio return
to his home to meet Susana. He is happy to be home and see her, but gets the need that his
brother has died. He offers for her to run away with him and she declines, saying it is
“inappropriate timing”. This shows that she has grown as a person.
 Bibliography:

L'Engle, Madeleine. ​A Wrinkle in Time​. Queensland Braille Writing Association, 1974.

“Amores Perros.” Eagle Pictures, 2002.