Every so often we must contemplate about death. We must understand it. We must accept it. This concept is difficult for young children to grasp.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White does an excellent job illustrating this concept to the younger audience. Our main character, Fern the daughter of a farmer, does whatever she can to save Wilbur the pig from his looming slaughter.
White has written a phenomenal story which readers will find themselves growing attached to every main character. Whether it’s Charlotte’s philosophical analogies, Wilbur’s slapstick humor or Fern’s adorable nature - every reader will find a character to fall in love with. Children will laugh at the sheer humor while adults will appreciate the themes.
Charlotte the spider cleverly comes up with plans to ensure that Wilbur doesn’t end up as bacon. Luckily for the sensitive readers, Wilbur makes it out without a scratch. Charlotte, however, is met with her death by the end of the book. But instead of getting caught in a web of despair, White reminds us that Charlotte’s memories live on with Wilbur, Fern and the rest of the farm.
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