Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why was Mr. Arable going to kill Wilbur in Chapter 1?
Why was Mr. Arable going to kill Wilbur in Chapter 1?
He was the runt of the litter
When Wilbur was two weeks old, where did he move to?
When Wilbur was two weeks old, where did he move to?
Zuckerman's barn
Who is Mr. Arable?
Who is Mr. Arable?
Fern's father, a farmer
Why is Fern's mother worried about her?
Why is Fern's mother worried about her?
The characters in the story are realistic.
The characters in the story are realistic.
What is the main conflict in the story?
What is the main conflict in the story?
What season is the fair held in?
What season is the fair held in?
What are the main values in the story?
What are the main values in the story?
What is the climax of the story?
What is the climax of the story?
In Chapter 2, how did Wilbur stay warm at night?
In Chapter 2, how did Wilbur stay warm at night?
The goose is a good influence on Wilbur.
The goose is a good influence on Wilbur.
In Chapter 4, who spoke to Wilbur about being his friend?
In Chapter 4, who spoke to Wilbur about being his friend?
What did Charlotte try to teach Wilbur to do?
What did Charlotte try to teach Wilbur to do?
Why was Charlotte worried when she heard the crickets singing that summer was almost over?
Why was Charlotte worried when she heard the crickets singing that summer was almost over?
Why can't Charlotte go back to the barn?
Why can't Charlotte go back to the barn?
How many spiders decided to stay with Wilbur?
How many spiders decided to stay with Wilbur?
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Study Notes
Characters and Relationships
- Mr. Arable plans to kill Wilbur because he is the smallest of the litter, a runt.
- Fern, Mr. Arable's daughter, shows compassion towards Wilbur and protests against his death.
- Wilbur is later moved to Zuckerman's barn after Fern raises him.
Themes and Values
- Main themes include loyalty and friendship, emphasized through Wilbur's relationships with other animals, especially Charlotte.
- The story features anthropomorphized animals, providing a moral perspective on human traits and behaviors.
Conflicts and Resolutions
- The central conflict revolves around Wilbur's impending slaughter, creating tension throughout the narrative.
- The climax occurs when Wilbur wins first place at the fair, resolving the conflict temporarily.
Key Events and Plot Progression
- The county fair, held at the end of summer, serves as a pivotal setting for character development and the story’s climax.
- Wilbur learns to adapt to barn life, including digging a tunnel in hay to stay warm at night.
Characterization
- Charlotte, a supportive spider, befriends Wilbur and attempts to teach him vital survival skills, such as spinning a web.
- The goose influences Wilbur negatively, pushing him to consider freeing himself from captivity.
Character Development
- Charlotte grows concerned when crickets sing, foreshadowing her limited time to devise a plan to save Wilbur.
- Three spiders choose to stay with Wilbur, illustrating themes of solidarity and friendship in times of adversity.
Symbolism
- The fair symbolizes hope and competition, representing the possibility of salvation for Wilbur through his achievements.
Emotional Tone
- The narrative blends innocence with deeper emotional undertones, particularly through Fern’s protective nature and Charlotte’s selflessness.
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