Instructions
Read the summaries of the first two chapters of "Charlotte's Web" below. Then complete the questions that follow.
Chapter 1: Before Breakfast
In the opening chapter, we meet a young girl named Fern Arable, who lives on a farm with her father, John Arable. Fern discovers that her father plans to kill a runt piglet because it is too small to survive. Fern pleads with her father to spare the pig's life, arguing that he deserves a chance to live. After much convincing, John agrees to let her keep the pig, and Fern names him Wilbur.
Chapter 2: Wilbur
Fern raises Wilbur in her home and takes care of him with great love and attention. Wilbur grows quickly, and soon he becomes too large for Fern to keep. She sells him to her uncle, the owner of the nearby farm. Though sad to part with Wilbur, Fern knows that he will be taken care of. Wilbur experiences sadness when he arrives at the new farm, as he finds himself alone and away from Fern.
Questions
1. Why did Fern's father want to kill the piglet?
2. What arguments did Fern use to convince her father to let her keep the pig?
3. Describe how Fern took care of Wilbur. What kind of relationship did they have?
4. How did Wilbur feel when he arrived at the new farm? Explain your answer.
5. What do you think will happen next in Wilbur's story? Make a prediction.