Chapter 1: Before Breakfast
Summary
In the opening chapter, we meet Fern Arable, a young girl who discovers that her father is planning to kill a runt piglet. Fern begs her father to spare the piglet's life, claiming it has a right to live. She shows her compassion and love for animals, demonstrating her caring nature.
Questions and Answers
1. Why does Fern want to save the runt pig?
- Fern believes that the piglet has a right to live, even if it is small and weak. Her empathy towards the animal demonstrates her strong moral values.
2. What does Fern’s father initially think about the pig?
- Fern's father views the pig as an insignificant animal, stating that it is too small to survive. He thinks it would be more practical to kill it.
3. How does Fern convince her father to let the pig live?
- Fern passionately argues that the pig is a living creature and deserves a chance to grow. Her emotional appeal and determination persuade her father to relent.
Chapter 2: Wilbur
Summary
In this chapter, we learn more about Wilbur, the runt pig who is saved by Fern. She takes him home, where he becomes a beloved pet. However, as Wilbur grows, Fern's father decides that they cannot keep him, leading to Wilbur's sale to a neighbor, Mr. Zuckerman.
Questions and Answers
1. What changes occur in Wilbur's life after he leaves Fern?
- Wilbur is sold to Mr. Zuckerman, where he faces the reality of being raised for slaughter. This change marks a significant turning point in his life.
2. How does Fern feel about selling Wilbur?
- Fern is heartbroken and sad about having to sell Wilbur. She has developed a strong bond with him and is reluctant to let him go.
3. What does Wilbur experience at Mr. Zuckerman's farm?
- At the farm, Wilbur feels lonely and scared. He misses Fern and struggles to adapt to his new environment.
Chapter 3: Escape
Summary
Wilbur is unhappy in his new surroundings and feels isolated in the barn. He decides to escape and run away, hoping to find Fern. However, his escape is short-lived when he is caught by the Zuckermans.
Questions and Answers
1. What prompts Wilbur to attempt an escape?
- Wilbur's feelings of loneliness and despair at Mr. Zuckerman's farm drive him to seek freedom and return to Fern, whom he misses dearly.
2. What happens during Wilbur's escape?
- Wilbur makes a brief attempt to run away, but he is quickly captured by Mr. Zuckerman, who is alarmed at the pig's sudden disappearance.
3. How does Wilbur's character develop in this chapter?
- This chapter showcases Wilbur's vulnerability and longing for companionship, emphasizing his emotional depth and need for connection.
Chapter 4: Charlotte
Summary
In this chapter, Wilbur meets Charlotte, a large gray spider who lives in the corner of the barn. Although initially frightened by her appearance, Wilbur soon learns that Charlotte is friendly and wise.
Questions and Answers
1. How does Wilbur react when he first meets Charlotte?
- Wilbur is initially terrified of Charlotte because she is a spider. He fears for his life, thinking she might be dangerous.
2. What qualities make Charlotte a unique character?
- Charlotte is portrayed as intelligent, thoughtful, and caring. She offers Wilbur friendship and support, becoming a central figure in his life.
3. What does Charlotte tell Wilbur about her intentions?
- Charlotte reassures Wilbur that she means no harm and is there to help him. She expresses her desire to be his friend, which comforts Wilbur.
Chapter 5: Charlotte’s Web
Summary
Charlotte devises a plan to save Wilbur from being slaughtered. She decides to weave a web that will display words praising Wilbur, hoping to convince the Zuckermans of his uniqueness.
Questions and Answers
1. What strategy does Charlotte use to save Wilbur?
- Charlotte plans to spin words in her web that will highlight Wilbur's special qualities, such as "Some Pig," to gain the attention of humans.
2. How does Wilbur react to Charlotte's plan?
- Wilbur is initially skeptical and unsure about Charlotte's idea, but he ultimately trusts her and hopes for the best.
3. What themes are introduced in this chapter?
- Themes of friendship, loyalty, and the desire for survival are prominent, as Charlotte demonstrates her dedication to helping Wilbur.
Chapter 6: Summer Days
Summary
As summer progresses, Charlotte's web captures the attention of the Zuckermans and the local community. People come to see Wilbur, increasing his popularity and ultimately saving him from slaughter.
Questions and Answers
1. What changes occur in Wilbur's life as a result of Charlotte's web?
- Wilbur gains fame and admiration from the townspeople, which helps secure his safety from being slaughtered.
2. How does the local community react to Charlotte's web?
- The community is astonished by the web and the messages within it. They see Wilbur as a remarkable pig, leading to increased visits to the farm.
3. What does this chapter reveal about the power of words?
- The chapter illustrates how words can influence perceptions and change lives, demonstrating the impact of Charlotte's cleverness.
Chapter 7: Bad News
Summary
Despite the success of Charlotte's web, news arrives that Wilbur will still be slaughtered after the county fair. This news devastates both Wilbur and Charlotte.
Questions and Answers
1. What is the significance of the bad news?
- The bad news serves as a turning point, introducing tension and urgency into the plot as Wilbur's fate hangs in the balance.
2. How do Wilbur and Charlotte respond to the news?
- Wilbur is filled with despair and fear, while Charlotte remains determined to find a solution to save him.
3. What themes are highlighted in this chapter?
- Themes of mortality, friendship, and the struggle against fate are emphasized as the characters confront the harsh reality of life on the farm.
Chapter 8: A Talk at Home
Summary
Charlotte devises a plan to take Wilbur to the county fair, where she believes she can create a new web that will save him. They discuss their feelings and fears about the future.
Questions and Answers
1. What is Charlotte's new plan for saving Wilbur?
- Charlotte plans to spin a new web at the county fair, incorporating words that will further convince people of Wilbur's special nature.
2. How does this chapter deepen the bond between Wilbur and Charlotte?
- Their discussions reveal their fears and hopes, reinforcing their friendship and loyalty to one another.
3. What emotions are conveyed in this chapter?
- The chapter conveys a sense of urgency and determination, as both characters grapple with the reality of Wilbur's impending fate.
Chapter 9: Wilbur’s Boast
Summary
Wilbur attends the county fair, where Charlotte’s web works its magic once again. He ends up winning a special prize, which brings joy to both him and Charlotte.
Questions and Answers
1. What happens to Wilbur at the county fair?
- Wilbur wins a special prize, which elevates his status and ensures his safety from slaughter.
2. How does Charlotte feel about Wilbur's success?
- Charlotte is proud and happy for Wilbur, celebrating their success together as a testament to their friendship.
3. What lessons can be learned from Wilbur's experience at the fair?
- The fair demonstrates the value of friendship, teamwork, and believing in oneself, as Charlotte's efforts lead to Wilbur's triumph.
Chapter 10: The Miracle
Summary
Charlotte’s web continues to amaze visitors, and her final plan unfolds. She prepares for her last act of friendship, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to Wilbur.
Questions and Answers
1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of Charlotte's Web?
The central theme of Charlotte's Web is friendship and the cycle of life, emphasizing the bond between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider, as well as the importance of sacrifice and loyalty.
How does Charlotte help Wilbur in Chapter 2?
In Chapter 2, Charlotte introduces herself to Wilbur and reassures him that he is not alone, establishing their friendship and setting the stage for her plan to save him from being slaughtered.
What is the significance of the words in Charlotte's web?
The words in Charlotte's web, such as 'Some Pig' and 'Terrific', serve to elevate Wilbur's status and persuade the farmer and the community of his uniqueness, ultimately saving him from death.
How does Fern's relationship with Wilbur change throughout the story?
Fern's relationship with Wilbur evolves from being his devoted caretaker to realizing that he must live his own life, leading her to accept that he belongs on the farm among other animals.
What role does Templeton play in the story?
Templeton, the rat, plays a self-serving role in the story. He helps Charlotte and Wilbur when it benefits him, showcasing themes of selfishness and the complexity of character relationships.
What lesson does Wilbur learn by the end of the book?
By the end of the book, Wilbur learns about the importance of friendship, loyalty, and the inevitability of life and death, ultimately embracing the memories of Charlotte and the lessons she imparted.
How does E.B. White use humor in Charlotte's Web?
E.B. White uses humor through the quirky personalities of the animals, particularly Templeton's sarcastic remarks and Charlotte's clever schemes, to lighten the themes of mortality and friendship.
What is the significance of the fair in Charlotte's Web?
The fair represents a climax in the story where Wilbur's fate is decided; it serves as a backdrop for the culmination of Charlotte's efforts to save him and highlights the themes of competition and community.
How does Charlotte's character exemplify selflessness?
Charlotte exemplifies selflessness through her willingness to use her own life to save Wilbur, demonstrating deep loyalty and love for her friend, and teaching readers about the value of self-sacrifice.
