Book Review – Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

This is my fifth read-through of the book, but separated by a lot of years. I had to read this twice in 4th and 5th grade for a book competition called Clue Me In (2nd place regional champs both years and 1st place city champs televised on good ol’ public access) I liked the story back then but reading it four times in two years I was fine to not pick it up again – and then you have kids and you want to share with them the books you read that got you into reading.

Well, the separation of 30 years helped in letting me enjoy it again and see some parts that I hadn’t noticed before. I did a family reading to this and took a classical approach to the discussion. The kids enjoyed the talking animals and the inclusion of Fern as the savior of Wilbur. There was some discussion, that the book engages in as well, in whether or not Fern can hear the animals talk – kids seem to always side on the “yes” answer to that question. The characters are well written and while there is some sense of drama it’s set against the slow pace of both farm life and the change of seasons. The description of whether and nature that was lost on young me was much more appreciate my adult, mature me. White likes to use long lists for slight comedic effect and reading them outloud was a lot of fun.

An item of note is that White doesn’t redeem his characters. The old sheep remains surley but does entice Templeton to go to the fair to help. Templeton is definately one who never falters from his character. He is selfish and only helps when there’s something in it for him. That being said, both kids and adults seem to like Templeton and even admitting this I’m not sure exactly why. It might be he’s naughty in a consistent way that makes you roll your eyes and chuckle.

Two characters that I had a different take this time around was Wilbur and Fern. As far as Wilbur goes, he doesn’t showcase anything that makes him be thought of as a good friend for Charolette to make over him as. Wilbur just desires a friend but his relationship is very one sided with Charolette. He’s always asking Charolette to do things for him or teach him things or sing to him. Other than the ending, Wilbur doesn’t quite do anything for Charollete or engage her in a way that shows as much friendship as she does for him. I’m sure this is sacriledge in some way and probably a point being made by White; it would have been nice to have Wilbur show some qualities that would make him be thought of as “Some Pig” or “Radiant”.

The other factor that was lost on younger me is how Fern changed so suddenly at the fair. For as intense as Fern was for Wilbur and the exessive amount of time she spent at the farm. The time she chose to go off for the boy was oddly chosen. Again, this is probably on purpose by White to show the change in Fern although as an adult, this turned me off to her a bit. The animated movie actually changes this and it’s understandable why the decision was made with this. Again, probably sacriledge but a detail that passed by young me completely the other four times I read it.

Overall, this was a joy to read again and especially sharing it with the audience of my own children. It’s clear why the book has stood the test of time and has become “Some Book!”