Chapter 9 · Charlotte's Web

Copywork

"You lack a set of spinnerets, and you lack know-how. But cheer up, you don't need a web.

Read the passage aloud. What happens to Charlotte's voice when she gets to the word "But"?

Narration Tell what happened from Wilbur's first jump to the good nights, in order. Slow down at what Charlotte says after his second fall.

Wilbur says, "I could spin a web if I tried." Why do you think he says that? Character
Charlotte laughs so hard her web sways when Wilbur lands with a thump. Was that kind? What makes you think so? Moral reasoning
Charlotte says that with men it is "rush, rush, rush, every minute." How does she sound when she talks about people? What tells you? Tone
Charlotte tells Wilbur, "cheer up, you don't need a web." Why does she say that? What makes you think so? Inference
The chapter ends with Wilbur and Charlotte saying "Good night" again and again. Why might the author end it that way? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time you tried something and it did not work, and what someone said to you.

spinnerets: You lack a set of spinnerets The parts a spider spins silk from.
lack: and you lack know-how. To be without something.
boasting: said Wilbur, boasting. Bragging about yourself.
hesitated: Wilbur hesitated a moment, Stopped for a moment, unsure.
neglected: he had neglected to fasten the other end to anything Forgot to do something.
crushed: Wilbur landed with a thud, crushed and hurt. Feeling flattened and very sad.
advise: and I advise you to put the idea out of your mind. To tell someone what you think they should do.
sedentary: I'm glad I'm a sedentary spider. Sitting still a lot.
embarrassment: Charlotte noticed his embarrassment A shy, hot feeling of being laughed at.

Templeton lends Wilbur his string, then grins when Wilbur falls. What does that show about Templeton? Give two reasons.
At bedtime Wilbur keeps asking for a little more, and Charlotte keeps answering. What does that show about how she cares for him? Give two reasons.
Charlotte speaks sharply to the lamb for teasing Wilbur. What does that show about her? Give two reasons.