Chapter 17

Charlotte's Web

Scouts · 1st–3rd

Copywork

Wilbur looked at his friend. She looked rather swollen and she seemed listless.

Read the passage aloud. What can you picture when Wilbur looks at his friend?

Discussion

Narration Tell what happened from the arrival at the Fair Grounds to the nap after lunch, in order. Slow down at Charlotte's visit to the next pen.

1. Wilbur says maybe the big pig is older and "has had more time to grow." Why might he say that? What makes you think so?Inference

2. Charlotte says she "took quite a dislike" to Uncle after one short talk. Is that fair to him? Why or why not?Moral reasoning

3. At the Fair, crowds stare at Wilbur and he "tried to look extra good." Why does he try so hard? What makes you think so?Theme

4. Uncle laughs at his own joke, and Charlotte answers, "Mildly funny." How does each of them sound? What tells you?Tone

5. Wilbur tells Charlotte, "Perhaps if you spin a web and catch a couple of flies you'll feel better." What does that tell you about Wilbur?Character

6. After a hot, worried morning, the chapter ends with the people asleep in the shade of Lurvy's blanket. Why might the author end it that way?Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time a friend told you something hard, and how you felt.

Vocabulary

Crossword

1	2	3				4
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6

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				9

Across

Across 1. Puffed up and larger than usual.
Across 6. Not pleasing to be around.
Across 8. In a tired way.
Across 9. Warned about a danger.

Down

Down 2. Tired, with no energy.
Down 3. Very, very big.
Down 4. A short meeting to ask questions.
Down 5. Loud, warm and cheerful.
Down 7. Showing that you like something.

The words in the chapter

swollen She looked rather swollen and she seemed listless.
listless She looked rather swollen and she seemed listless.
enormous he's enormous.
hearty in a big, hearty voice.
unattractive a most unattractive personality.

interview in our brief interview.
wearily she said, wearily.
favorable make favorable remarks about Uncle's great size.
cautioned cautioned their father.

Critical thinking

1. Mr. Arable, Mrs. Arable and Mrs. Zuckerman give Fern and Avery money and many warnings. What do the warnings show about the grown-ups? Give two reasons.

2. Charlotte says she feels "like the end of a long day." What does the chapter show about how she is? Give two reasons.

3. Dozens of strangers admire Wilbur, then move on to the bigger pig. What does that show about what people at the Fair look for? Give two reasons.