In the book A Wrinkle in Time,Chapter 1 why do you think Meg feels like an oddball?

1 answer

In Chapter 1 of "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle, Meg Murry feels like an oddball for several reasons. Firstly, she struggles with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy, especially in comparison to her peers and her family. She is portrayed as being self-conscious about her academic performance and her appearance, which contributes to her feeling different from those around her. Her intelligence sets her apart, but she often feels misunderstood, particularly by her classmates who do not share her experiences or interests.

Additionally, Meg comes from a family of exceptional individuals, including her scientist mother and her brilliant brothers and sister. This creates a sense of pressure for her to excel, which she often feels she cannot meet, further emphasizing her sense of being an outsider. The narrative also hints at the struggles she faces at school, including bullying and a lack of acceptance from her peers, which deepens her sense of alienation. All these factors combine to make Meg feel like she doesn't fit in, highlighting her role as an oddball in her environment.