Charlotte's Web

   Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Some Pig

These are the words in Charlotte's web, high in the barn. Her spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, as well as the feelings of a little girl named Fern ... who loves Wilbur, too.

Discussion Questions

1. If you were Charlotte, what would you have written in your web about Wilbur?
2. Why did Charlotte like Wilbur so much?
3. Why does Charlotte's plan succeed?
4. Why does everyone except Edith (and Dr. Dorian) dismiss the spider's contribution to the "miracle?"
5. What is significant about the order of the "messages" in the web?
6. Do you believe there is any good in Templeton? Support both a "yes" and a "no" answer.
7. Is Templeton the rat a hero or a villain in the story? Why?
8. Is it true that there are no villains in Charlotte's Web?
9. Do you think Charlotte's three daughters will write words in their webs too, like their mother did? What will they write?
10. Have you ever had a really close friendship with an animal?
11. What makes someone a good friend?
12. Do you eat meat? If so, do you ever think about the animals it came from? What do you think about vegetarianism? Do you think Fern is a vegetarian?
13. In the beginning of Charlotte's Web, Fern saves Wilbur from death. Would you have saved Wilbur too? Tell about a time when you stood up for someone smaller or weaker than yourself.
14. When everybody is at the county fair, Fern leaves Wilbur alone in his pen while she explores the sights (and food and rides). Why did she do this?
15. How is Wilbur's friendship with Fern similar to his friendship with Charlotte? How is it different?
16. Why is Mrs. Arable so opposed to Fern spending time at the Zuckerman farm?
17. In what way does White adapt the animals' fictional personalities to the way those animals act in real life?
18. The threat of death is a very serious part of everyone's life. Is it surprising to find that threat central to such a charming story as this?