Charlotte's Web — Chapter 12

About This Passage

Charlotte delivers one of the book's sharpest adult observations to Wilbur: people believe almost anything they see in print. The repetition of 'Not a particle' gives the line its backbone, and the sudden pivot to a practical question ('Does anybody here know how to spell') shows Charlotte's mind at work — she has diagnosed human nature and is already moving to exploit it on Wilbur's behalf.

Narration Prompt

Retell Chapter 12 in four scenes — the roll call of the barn animals, the brainstorming of a new word, the sheep's argument that convinces Templeton to help, and Charlotte's private reassurance to Wilbur at the close. Attend to how each scene shows a different kind of conversation at work.

Discussion Questions

1. Charlotte tells the animals, 'People believe almost anything they see in print.' Examine what this line reveals about her understanding of human nature, and consider whether this understanding is being treated by White as sharp insight, gentle cynicism, or both.
2. The old sheep says he will 'appeal to Templeton's baser instincts.' Consider what this phrase means and how the sheep's speech about the empty trough is different from asking Templeton for kindness. What does this suggest about how good leaders sometimes must motivate reluctant helpers?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide