“Charlotte’s Web”: A Place in the Heart

No matter their age, once a reader begins E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” they are immediately immersed in the story and eager to embark on an adventure with Wilbur and Charlotte. It is not an easy task to write a novel that can be appreciated by so many. However, within the setting of the Zuckerman’s farm E.B. White creates wonderfully diverse characters that the reader can become acquainted with. With these characters the reader learns and experiences situations they have or will encounter during their lives. Charlotte’s Web is not simply a story about life on a farm; there is a much deeper level to the narrative. Throughout the pages of his story, E.B. White explores several topics that have significant universal resonance; the gratification of having a loyal friend, the reality of growing up, and the subject of death, something we all fear. The intention of this paper is to exhibit the relevance of these three themes to the story and their role in providing the reader with life lessons. Firstly, I will examine the relationship of Wilbur and Charlotte and how it provides an important message to the readers. Secondly, I will discuss the maturity of Fern and how it changes throughout the novel. And finally I will explore the topic of death and how it is dealt with throughout the text.

      Wilbur’s first encounter with Charlotte comes at a moment in time when he needs it the most and is delighted to both meet her and have her become such an important part of his life. By having these two characters become close friends: Wilbur a pig, and Charlotte a spider, E.B. White demonstrates that despite their physical differences there is no reason why the two characters cannot become friends. Upon their first meeting Wilbur immediately says to Charlotte, “I think you are pretty”. Throughout the book there is never a moment where either character reconsiders their friendship because they are so unalike physically. Though they are very much different in appearance and ability, the two friends embrace the fact that they are unalike and appreciate the particular qualities, which make them different from each other. Reference is made to the dissimilarities between the two friends in “The Pleasures of Children’s Literature” when it states that “a spider can only be a spider and a pig only a pig, as Wilbur’s comic and failed attempts to spin a web illustrate”. Despite the fact that they cannot interact physically the spider and pig still hold a strong relationship because they are able to respect each other’s individual differences. The strongest evidence of Wilbur and Charlottes friendship is demonstrated when Charlottes declares she will save Wilbur from being killed. “The Pleasures of Children’s Literature” describes Charlotte’s promise by saying “she devotes herself to Wilbur at the expense of her own needs …” Charlotte and Wilbur’s relationship could be compared to that of a mother and her child, however it should also be seen as a extremely devoted and loyal friendship between two individuals who only want the best for each other. Wilbur and Charlotte’s relationship demonstrates to readers that no matter how different two may be, they can still be wonderful friends. It also displays how strong a friendship can be and what some companions will sacrifice for another.

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        Though the subject of Fern’s maturity is not as prevalent throughout book as the subject of Wilbur and Charlotte’s friendship, it is still possible to watch her and her preoccupations change. When we are first introduced to Fern we see a young girl with very few cares in the world, except for her concern about her father’s plan to “do away” with a piglet that was the runt of the litter. It should be noted that Wilbur has his life saved twice, first by little Fern and then by Charlotte. In the beginning Fern only wants to spend her time ...

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