Chapter 3 · Charlotte's Web

Copywork

Wilbur didn't care. The food smelled appetizing.

Read the passage aloud. Why might the author put these two short sentences side by side?

Narration Tell what happened to Wilbur on the afternoon in June, in order. Slow down at the moment Mr. Zuckerman taps the pail.

Wilbur says, "I'm less than two months old and I'm tired of living." What is making him feel that way? Inference
The goose asks how it feels to be free. Wilbur says, "I guess I like it." Why do you think he only says "guess"? Character
The goose cheers Wilbur on while everyone chases him. Was she a good friend to him? What makes you think so? Moral reasoning
The author says Wilbur was "a very young pig - not much more than a baby, really." Why remind us of that during the chase? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time you wanted to try something new and felt a little scared.

care: Wilbur didn't care. To mind or be bothered.
appetizing: The food smelled appetizing. Smelling or looking good to eat.
lure: He's trying to lure you back into captivity-ivity. To draw someone in with a treat or a trick.
freedom: "You'll miss your freedom," honked the goose. Being able to go where you like.
reconsider: "Reconsider, reconsider!" cried the goose. To think again about a choice.
hullabaloo: Poor Wilbur was dazed and frightened by this hullabaloo. A loud, busy fuss.
relieved: he felt relieved. Glad that a worry has gone away.
lonely: Wilbur stood in the sun feeling lonely and bored. Sad to be alone.
chuckled: The goose chuckled. Laughed quietly.

The news of Wilbur's escape spreads from the goose to the cows, sheep and horses. What does that show about how the animals feel about him? Give two reasons.
While the chase goes on, Wilbur thinks, "Why doesn't Fern come?" What does that show about Fern and Wilbur? Give two reasons.
Mr. Zuckerman tells Lurvy, "take it easy - don't rush him!" What does that show about how he treats Wilbur? Give two reasons.