The words gave her courage.Strength to face something hard.
Charlotte's Web
Chapter 20
E. B. White · Scouts 1st–3rd
Copywork
The words gave her courage. This was her hour of triumph.
Read the passage aloud. What do the two short sentences tell you about how Charlotte feels?
Discussion
Narration Tell what happened from the loud speaker's first announcement to the truck driving back, in order. Slow down at the moment Wilbur faints.
- Mrs. Zuckerman is "scared to death" of the crowd, but Mrs. Arable says "this is fun." Which woman handles it better? What makes you think so? Character
- The speech makes Wilbur feel "happy but dizzy," and then he faints. Why might good news make him faint? Inference
- Templeton bites Wilbur's tail as hard as he can to bring him around. Was that kind or cruel? What makes you think so? Moral reasoning
- Charlotte murmurs to herself, "Oh, they can't, can't they?" How does she sound, and what tells you? Tone
- The loud speaker says the web's words came from "supernatural forces." Why might a crowd like that explanation? Theme
- After Wilbur's big moment, Lurvy soaks Mr. Zuckerman and Avery acts like a clown. Why might the author put a funny scene there? Author's choice
Make a Connection Tell about a time someone else got the praise for something you helped with.
Vocabulary
- courage
- triumph
This was her hour of triumph.
A great win.- pompous
in a pompous voice.
Acting too grand and important.- embraced
embraced the egg sac.
Held close.- unconscious
he fell to the ground, unconscious.
Passed out and not awake.- revived
The pain revived Wilbur.
Brought back to life and sense.- drenched
really drenched.
Soaking wet.- applause
Avery heard nothing but the applause.
Clapping to show you like something.
Critical thinking
- The speaker praises Wilbur's coat, and Mrs. Arable whispers, "It's the buttermilk." What does that show about the praise? Give two reasons.
- Lurvy dashes the water at Wilbur and says, "You asked for water." What does this show about Lurvy? Give two reasons.
- The chapter calls this "the greatest moment in Mr. Zuckerman's life." Why? Give two reasons from the chapter.