Chapter 4 · Charlotte's Web

Copywork

Friendless, dejected, and hungry, he threw himself down in the manure and sobbed.

Read the sentence aloud. What does the list of three words at the start tell you about how Wilbur feels?

Narration Tell what happened to Wilbur on the rainy day, in order. Slow down at the end, when he hears a voice in the dark.

The goose says she is sitting on eight eggs and cannot play. Is that a good reason to say no to Wilbur? What makes you think so? Moral reasoning
The lamb gives two reasons for not playing with Wilbur. What is different about the first reason and the second? Character
Templeton says he hardly knows the meaning of the word "play." How does he sound when he says it? What tells you? Tone
The chapter ends with a small voice in the dark that Wilbur cannot see. Why might the author keep the speaker hidden? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time you wanted someone to play with and nobody could.

friendless: Friendless, dejected, and hungry, Having no friend.
dejected: Friendless, dejected, and hungry, Sad and without hope.
frolic: to have fun, to frolic, to run and skip To play about happily.
glutton: I am a glutton but not a merry-maker. Someone who eats far too much.
gloomily: he stood gloomily indoors. In a sad, dark mood.
bitterly: said Wilbur, bitterly. In an angry, hurt way.
crafty: Templeton was a crafty rat, Clever at getting what you want.
endure: he could endure the awful loneliness To put up with something hard.
budge: Wilbur did not budge. To move even a little.

Templeton eats Wilbur's breakfast while Wilbur watches, and Wilbur sobs. Why does this hurt so much? Give two reasons from the chapter.
Lurvy tells Mr. Zuckerman something is wrong with the pig, and Mr. Zuckerman says to give him sulphur and molasses. Did they understand what was wrong? Give two reasons.
The chapter begins with rain falling on the barn roof, the barnyard, the windows, and the sheep. Why might the author begin with so much rain? Give two reasons.