Chapter 5 · Charlotte's Web

Copywork

At last Wilbur saw the creature that had spoken to him in such a kindly way.

Read the sentence aloud. How would a voice sound if it spoke in such a kindly way?

Narration Tell what happened from Wilbur waking in the night to his talk with Charlotte, in order. Slow down at the part about the fly.

Wilbur detested flies, yet he "watched in horror" as Charlotte wrapped one up. Why was he sorry for it? Character
Charlotte says, "You have your meals brought to you in a pail." Is that a fair answer to Wilbur? Why or why not? Moral reasoning
Wilbur says, "Perhaps your web is a good thing after all." What did Charlotte say that made him think again? Inference
Wilbur thinks, "But what a gamble friendship is!" What does he risk by making a friend like Charlotte? Theme

Make a Connection Tell about a time you got to know someone who seemed scary or strange at first.

creature: At last Wilbur saw the creature that had spoken to him in such a kindly way. A living animal.
kindly: in such a kindly way. In a gentle, friendly way.
salutations: Salutations are greetings, Words of hello.
detested: although he detested flies Hated very much.
horror: Wilbur watched in horror. Great fear and shock.
trapper: I happen to be a trapper. One who catches things in a trap.
bloodthirsty: so bloodthirsty. Eager to hurt or kill.
inheritance: It's a miserable inheritance, Something handed down from family.
meekly: He lay down meekly in the manure In a quiet, gentle way.
gamble: But what a gamble friendship is! A risk with no sure outcome.

Wilbur shouts, "Attention, please!" to find his friend, and the sheep scold him. What does this show about how much he wants a friend? Give two reasons.
Charlotte says she is near-sighted and wishes she could see Wilbur as clearly as he sees her. What does this show about her? Give two reasons.
Charlotte calls "salutations" a silly expression and says she is surprised she used it. What does this show about how she treats a new friend? Give two reasons.