There's No Place Like Uncle "Homer's Barn"

"Charlotte's Web" was an instant hit after its initial publication on October 15, 1952. America was ripe and green. The freezer was the most advanced household appliance. Technology changed the landscape, as the rural people have access to the Internet. E. B. White's book didn't lose its appeal, though.

"Where's Papa going with that ax?"

This was one of the most unforgettable opening lines in Children's literature, a coming of age of a young girl and her pet pig. Fren wanted to keep the runt of the litter, whom she named Wilbur. Mr. Arable, Fren's father, didn't object to her request, as the milk bar would put the tiny pig at a disadvantage. Moreover, the likes of Wilbur would end up on the dinner table on Christmas Day. But this won't be his fate.

This Children's novel was set in the barn, which White knew too well. Perhaps he could communicate with the animals, which inspired him to write the book. Many students read "Charlotte's Web", as they could relate to its themes. Let's have a look at each one:

Wilbur is one humble pig. In Wilbur's case, the call for attention was the only way to keep him from being roasted and served. Charlotte, a gray spider who lived in the barn, did everything she could to make sure he was the talk of the countryside. But the young pig didn't want recognition. Wilbur was yearning for affection, and he was lucky to have Fren and Charlotte.

Maybe our ears aren't as sharp as Fren's. Mrs. Arable was worried about Fren, as she wondered why her daughter wasn't interested in boys. But she forget what was it like to be young. “It's amazing how children change from year to year,” said Dr. Dorian.

A home is never perfectly quiet. Wilbur's first escape from his pen prompted the other animals to follow suit. He enjoyed his short-lived freedom before Mr. Zuckerman lured him back with food. The goose kept on telling him to change his mind, but he couldn't resist the smell (of food). White showed what Wilbur loved the most. Life in the pen wasn't bad at all, except rainy days. Readers would be reminded of the necessities of a home, which they took for granted.

Charlotte played an important part, and no one was with her when she died. Many would dread death, and some might be taken aback at how White introduced it in his book. He had seen everything in the barn, so it would be no big deal. It reminded him of the seasons, which the kids would understand.

Friendship is the most satisfying thing in the world. Wilbur missed Fren after his transfer to Homer Zuckerman's barn. (He was Fren's uncle.) No animal in the barn wanted to befriend him except Charlotte. It was an unlikely friendship, a special one too. The bittersweet ending would sadden readers, but they were reminded of the clouds. It kept on drifting endlessly. The moral of the story is to treasure every moment.