Author: E. B. White

Illustrator: Garth Williams

Language: English

Publisher: Harper & Brothers

Publication year: 1952

Introduction

Charlotte’s Web tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered by the farmer, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web in order to persuade the farmer to let him live. It is considered a classic of children’s literature, enjoyable to adults as well as children.

Comments

It is a touching story of friendship and trust in which a spider name Charlotte saves a pig name Wilbur from the fate of being slaughtered like other pigs at the farm. The story also offers a maternal element in which Charlotte acts as a mother to Wilbur whom she protects and teaches. By providing the animals with human characteristics, the author adds depth to the short story which enables readers to sympathize with the animals and view them in a new light.

By Kate Love