Madeleine L'Engle
Full Name and Common Aliases
Madeleine L'Engle Camp, commonly known as Madeleine L'Engle, was a renowned American writer whose imaginative works have captivated readers for decades. Her name is synonymous with the blend of science fiction and fantasy, and she is often affectionately referred to simply as L'Engle by her fans.
Birth and Death Dates
Madeleine L'Engle was born on November 29, 1918, and she passed away on September 6, 2007. Her life spanned nearly nine decades, during which she left an indelible mark on the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
L'Engle was an American author, primarily known for her contributions to children's literature, though her works also include adult fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Her career as a writer was complemented by her roles as a librarian and a teacher, which further enriched her understanding of literature and storytelling.
Early Life and Background
Madeleine L'Engle was born in New York City to Charles Wadsworth Camp, a writer and critic, and Madeleine Barnett Camp, a pianist. Her early years were marked by frequent relocations due to her father's health issues, which exposed her to diverse environments and cultures. This nomadic lifestyle fostered her imagination and love for reading and writing. L'Engle attended Smith College, where she honed her literary skills and graduated with a degree in English in 1941. Her early experiences and education laid the foundation for her future as a prolific writer.
Major Accomplishments
L'Engle's career was distinguished by numerous accolades and achievements. She is best known for her Newbery Medal-winning novel, "A Wrinkle in Time," published in 1962. This groundbreaking work not only earned her critical acclaim but also established her as a pioneer in the genre of science fiction for young readers. Over her lifetime, L'Engle authored more than 60 books, many of which received prestigious awards and honors. Her ability to weave complex themes of science, faith, and morality into her narratives set her apart as a unique voice in literature.
Notable Works or Actions
"A Wrinkle in Time" is undoubtedly L'Engle's most famous work, but it is just the beginning of her literary legacy. The novel is the first in a series known as the Time Quintet, which includes "A Wind in the Door," "A Swiftly Tilting Planet," "Many Waters," and "An Acceptable Time." These books explore themes of time travel, the battle between good and evil, and the power of love and family. L'Engle's other notable works include the Austin Family Chronicles and her memoirs, such as "A Circle of Quiet," which offer insights into her personal life and creative process.
Impact and Legacy
Madeleine L'Engle's impact on literature is profound and enduring. Her works have been translated into numerous languages, reaching a global audience and inspiring generations of readers and writers. L'Engle's ability to tackle complex scientific and philosophical concepts in a manner accessible to young readers has been particularly influential. Her stories often challenge readers to think critically about the world around them and their place within it. L'Engle's legacy is also evident in the many authors who cite her as an inspiration, as well as in the continued popularity of her books, which remain staples in libraries and classrooms worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Madeleine L'Engle is widely quoted and remembered for her profound insights into the human condition and her ability to articulate the complexities of life with clarity and grace. Her quotes often reflect her deep understanding of the interplay between science and spirituality, as well as her belief in the power of love and imagination. L'Engle's words resonate with readers because they speak to universal truths and encourage introspection and growth. Her legacy as a writer who dared to explore uncharted territories in literature ensures that her voice will continue to be heard and cherished for generations to come.
Quotes by Madeleine L'Engle
Madeleine L'Engle's insights on:
When I think of the incredible, incomprehensible sweep of creation above me, I have the strange reaction of feeling fully alive. Rather than feeling lost and unimportant and meaningless, seta against galaxies which go beyond the reach of the furthest telescopes, I feel that my life has meaning. Perhaps I should feel insignificant, but instead I feel a soaring in my heart that the God who could create all this – and out of nothing – can still count the hairs of my head.
Somehow or other, the loving parents had swallowed one of the Tempter’s hooks, and the child was given total self-indulgence, which is far from free will. He still tempts. The ancient, primordial battle to destroy Community, to shatter Trinity, still continues. Creation still groans with the pain of it. Like it or not, we’re caught in the middle.
There always have been and there always will be people who have been corrupted into enjoying any excuse for cruelty.
Her father said, “You know, my dears, the world has been abnormal for so long that we’ve forgotten what it’s like to live in a peaceful and reasonable climate. If there is to be any peace or reason, we have to create it in our own hearts and homes.” “Even at a time like this?” Meg asked. The call from Calvin, the sound of her husband’s voice, had nearly broken her control. “Especially at a time like this,” her mother said gently.
Oh, my darling you are not dumb,” her father answered. “You’re like Charles Wallace. Your development has to go at its own pace. It just doesn’t happen to be the usual pace.
But I have to accept the fact that I am often unwise; that I am not always loving; that I make mistakes; that I am, in fact, human. And as Christians we are not meant to be less human than other people, but more human, just as Jesus of Nazareth was more human.
We write alone, but we do not write in isolation. No matter how fantastic a story line may be, it still comes out of our response to what is happening to us and to the world in which we live.
There’re a lot of things you don’t understand.” Zachary smoldered his gaze at me. “I came looking for you, and then when I found out where you were, suddenly it didn’t seem worth it. It wasn’t you. It was everything and nothing. Life. Ma’s death. Talking to anybody. Not worth it.
I can’t do it for love of God, like Tom Tallis, or for heaven’s sake, as Mr. Frost said. But because I love people I have to act according to it – to the fact that I love them.
Oh, Meg, you are a moron,” Calvin said. “Don’t you know you’re the nicest thing that’s happened to me in a long time?