Charlotte's Web essay

The first thing that jumped out at me as I re-read my annotations was how much I annotated on lists.  After our discussion on lists in class, I began seeing them everywhere in the book.  I began to think to myself, ‘well what does it mean? Why would he put them there’? Not many authors (that I have read, at least) use lists.  Then I came across, an annotation that pointed out something Charlotte said on page 60.  She says “But no-with men its rush rush every minute. I’m glad I’m a sedentary spider.” I looked up the meaning of sedentary, and sure enough it means either to be settled, or to do a lot of sitting; not much physical activity. I interpreted it to mean, that one takes their time. There. A morale. I re-looked at the lists and I concluded something.

E.B White’s writing style reflects that sentence. The book takes its time, it meanders through the pages. He doesn’t leave out details just to move the plot along. Instead he adds every detail possible. The world he paints is much more vivid then that of other authors. In the 77 pages the plot only pops up once or twice.. Almost (if not all) of the chapters start with lengthy descriptions that last one or two or maybe even three pages.  And the lists. Oh the lists! On and on about what Wilbur’s is eating, plans to do, or what Charlotte eats, or how many parts are in a her leg.  Every one of them is a delight to read too. They’re so complex and fascinating, and at times, humorous. If another Author had written this book it might have taken up all of 80 pages. The style also enhances the re-read. Everyone remembers the plot, which is pleasant. It holds no surprises though. However with each read one get’s to re experience the brilliant details, the long lists and descriptions. The swing, the dew the barn. Things we take for granted in the book, would not exist if E.B white did not take his time.

The countryside is portrayed with lazy days and peaceful nights, and the characters love it. The book is a not so subtle endorsement of an agricultural life-style. It is an endorsement of a sedentary life style. Not in the terms of being lazy, but taking your time, and noticing details in life, not keeping your head down and walking swiftly, but to go on a long walk with your head up.  Wilbur plans an hour in his schedule where he watches bees and sparrows for an HOUR!  Fern spends whole afternoons on the stool in the barn. Even Charlotte, who is dying, doesn’t spend the days rushing around with a bucket list like I would. She takes it slow and enjoys herself. The book embraces the silences of dawn and late afternoon, not the loudness of the crowds and cars.

The fact that you know everything that charlotte likes to eat, and her leg parts, and how her aunt caught a fish in a web makes, the big finale, her death, all the more tragic.