E.B White’s novel Charlotte’s Web is a children’s novel that tells the highs and lows of the life of Wilbur, the pig. Wilbur is the runt of the litter and narrowly escapes death with the help of 8-year-old Fern Arabel, who wants to save the life of the poor pig because “the pig couldn’t help being born small, could it? If [Fern] had been born small at birth, would [Mr. Arabel] have killed [her]?” Fern’s strong belief to stand against the injustice of a pig saved Wilbur’s life. Eventually, Wilbur outgrows the friendly indoor pet stage, and he has to be sold to Fern’s uncle Homer Zuckerman, where we see the new farm life of Wilbur, the pig.
Charlotte’s Web is a refreshing take on friendship, love, loss and acceptance. We see Wilbur’s friendship and love of Fern, where he follows her around and can’t bear to be separated from Fern to a sense of growth when Wilbur accepts the changes in his life and adapts to them. Ultimately, Wilbur finds new friendships on the farm with Charlotte, the spider. I highly recommend this book to those who love stories about friendship, as readers will find joy in the beauty of Wilbur and Charlotte’s friendship.
Qeunyaii Yarde JI 132
No doubt a classic. I just began reading this with my grade 3 class. When I read it myself as a young lad, I remember the ideas about the animals, the friendships, the protection and loyalty, etc. What I didn’t remember is the overall rather dark theme around animal treatment and death. The kids had a lot of questions about that as we started the book which I was not prepared for! It is still, however, a charming book that forms an emotional connection for the readers and has many ideas to explore about friendship, man’s relationship with nature, etc.
Hi Qeunyaii Yarde,
I love your book blog! Great summary! “Charlotte’s Web” is a timeless classic that weaves a heartwarming tale of friendship, loyalty, and the beauty of life. “Charlotte’s Web” remains a touching and enduring masterpiece that celebrates the magic of friendship and the beauty found in the most unexpected places. It remains an excellent choice for readers of all ages, offering valuable lessons about friendship, kindness, and the beauty of life. Thank you for sharing!
– Tiffany Chen