In Madeleine L'Engle's novel "A Wrinkle in Time," Mrs. Whatsit is a character who can transform into various forms throughout the story. In the beginning, she is introduced as an elderly woman who appears somewhat disheveled and unkempt. She wears a tattered dress and has a whimsical demeanor, suggesting she is not bound by the norms of the human world.
However, her true nature is revealed later in the story. Mrs. Whatsit, along with Mrs. Which and Mrs. Who, can transform into higher beings with extraordinary abilities. One notable transformation occurs when she describes herself as having once been a star. In Chapter 3, she states, "I was once a star," indicating her ability to take on a cosmic form that is far more powerful and significant than her human disguise.
As for her abilities, Mrs. Whatsit possesses immense wisdom and knowledge about the universe, and she serves as a guide for the protagonists, Meg, Charles, and Calvin. She can manipulate space and time, facilitating the travel of the characters across dimensions. In her interactions, she exhibits a profound understanding of love and courage, emphasizing their importance in combating darkness.
Overall, while Mrs. Whatsit's appearance may seem ordinary at first glance, her transformations and abilities symbolize the themes of transcendence and the battle against evil in the universe.