Charlottes Web
The story of Charlottes Web touches upon many different emotions grabbing the attention of its readers on so many different levels. Charlottes Web symbolizes the true meaning of life and why we work together as a team. Reading about how all of these animals work together to save their friends life is overwhelmingly passionate. The world is what it is because of each and every living organism working together to make it function.
Fern catches word that her father is going to kill a pig because it is the runt of the litter and will eventually be more of a hassle than of any good. Fern cannot believe that her father would do such a thing. She grabs her father and says, But its unfair, the pig couldnt help being born small, could it? If I had been very small at birth, would you have killed me?(3) I find this statement to be a very strong quote from the book because it is showing the innocence of a child who cannot understand that because something is so small you would kill it. She is trying to rationalize with her father, which ties in with Piagets Cognitive Theory of Development the period of concrete operations.
To love and to be loved we witness with both Fern and Wilburs relationship as well as with Charlottes and Wilburs. Fern and Wilburs relationship fall into the Eriksons Psychosocial Development Theory trust versus mistrust where as Charlotte and Wilburs I would consider being initiative versus guilt. I chose these stages because when the story first starts out we see Fern mothering and protecting Wilbur and he trusts her and with Charlotte and Wilbur we see a friendship and a bond growing on both sides. Charlotte and Wilbur look out for one another.
Templeton I would use as an example for the topic of physical wellbeing. This rat is all about his own physical well being right up until the end of the story when we see a different side of Templeton for a quick second. He helps save Charlottes egg sac but only on one condition that he will receive first dibs on Wilburs food. The rat really only cared about his own physical wellbeing rather than that of anyone elses.
There is such a feeling of belonging within this story. All of the Zuckerman farm animals work together and give each other a sense of belonging. At the end of the story when three of Charlottes babies stay behind with Wilbur he is so excited and makes them feel very much apart of the group. They tell him that they like it here and want to stay. Then Wilbur goes on to say, this was your mothers doorway and her name was Charlotte and she was my friend. This is just the beginning of a couple of great relationships.
Achievement is found all throughout this story. We see it when Wilbur wins a prize and Charlotte makes her famous writings in her web. Achievement is completely full filled when Wilbur makes it to winter without being turned into bacon first. Also when Charlottes magnum opus finally hatches and all of her babies are alive and make it on there own. Wilbur did such a great job keeping her babies warm and dry. When He found out that they were going to be ok he was so overjoyed with achievement and that he could give something back to Charlotte after everything she had done for him.
Change in this story is I would consider quite sad. Change can be good and bad at times. Change would be the fact that Charlotte dies and everyone has to adjust to the change. Life changes everyday and I think Wilbur realizes this when Charlotte tells him that she is dying. He does not understand until she explains to him about how death is a part of life and we all must perish at one time in out lives.
Knowledge is found in this story because this story teaches children about all different types of emotions. As you read along through the book a child will feel happy, sad, nervous, angry, and overjoyed. Charlotte acts like a teacher in this book. She fills Wilbur with knowledge about the world. For beauty and order this is taught in a different way. We see how beautiful a person/spider can be on the inside rather than the outside. Structure is taught by reading how the humans in the story take care of the animals and how all the same animals stay together in the barn.
Charlottes Web teaches children about life, how it works, and the emotions that we experience throughout life. I feel that this book is a great learning module for children. It teaches the roles on how people should treat one another. It shows great examples of moral values. Charlottes Web teaches loyalty, friendship, love, and charisma. Which all children should have instilled in them to become great human beings and have respect for themselves and others.
Work Cited
Russell, Davis L. Literature For Children. A Short Introduction Fifth Edition. Pearson, 2005.
White, E.B. Charlottes Web. New York: HarperTrophy, 1980.
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