The Fair & Award
How was recognizing Wilbur for his special award Charlotte's "hour of triumph"?
Wilbur being recognized for his special award was Charlotte's hour of triumph because she had finally achieved her goal, which was to save Wilbur's life. The fact that he was being recognized meant all her hard work payed off and it guaranteed that the Zuckermans would not slaughter Wilbur. So for Charlotte, her plan was a success.
How did Charlotte respond when Wilbur said, "Why did you do all this for me? I don't deserve it"?
"Why did you do all this for me? I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you."
She responded by telling Wilbur that he has been a friend, and that in itself is a tremendous thing. She wove the words into his web because she liked him, and by helping Wilbur it made her life a bit more meaningful.
What did Wilbur ask of Templeton, and what was his initial response?
Wilbur asked Templeton to climb up the wall and get Charlotte's egg sac so Wilbur could take it back to the barn with him. Templeton was not eager to help. He felt that everyone always asks favors of him but no one ever showed appreciation, or had a kind remark for him. Thus, he was not very concerned about the egg sac and went back to laying down in the straw.
How did Wilbur say goodbye to Charlotte?
a. with a tear
b. with a wink
c. with a wave
d. with a kiss
b. with a wink
What word means up in the air or high above the ground?
aloft
What did the governors of the Fair award to Mr. Zuckerman and to Wilbur?
They awarded Mr. Zuckerman twenty-five dollars and a special engraved bronze medal for Wilbur.
Explain why Charlotte would not be going back to the barn.
Charlotte would not be going back to the barn because in a day or two she would be dead. She didn’t even have enough strength to move or spin silk to lower her to the ground.
What did Wilbur promise Templeton in order to get him to help?
a. he will let him eat first
b. he can tell the barn he bit Wilbur's tail
c. he can have his medal
d. he can befriend Fern
a. he will let him eat first
What occurred one sunny spring morning, and how did Wilbur react?
One sunny spring morning Wilbur noticed something move in Charlotte's egg sac. Suddenly, little gray and tan spiders began crawling out of the sac waving at him. Wilbur was ecstatic. He made a small speech greeting them, telling them he was a friend of their mothers, and assuring the babies all was okay.
What word means acting very important or showing off in a silly way?
pompous
What happened to Wilbur during the long speech?
During the long speech Wilbur's mind went blank, he became dizzy, and he fainted.
Describe how Wilbur reacted to Charlotte's news.
Wilbur did not handle Charlotte's news well. He threw himself to the ground in agony and in pain. Wilbur didn’t want to leave Charlotte and he was crying, racing around his pen in a panic.
How did Wilbur carry the precious cargo back to the barn?
a. on top of his tongue
b. on the tip of his tail
c. in the flap of his ear
d. on top of his nose
a. on top of his tongue
When a warm updraft filled the barn, what event took place? Why did this sadden Wilbur?
One morning, when a warm updraft filled the barn, the baby spiders let out a cloud of silk, rose into the air and began leaving the barn. This saddened Wilbur because all Charlotte's babies were leaving and he would be left alone with no friends.
What word means to move quickly or clumsily, often using hands and feet?
scramble
Who and what revived Wilbur?
Wilbur was revived when Templeton poked his head out from the straw and bit Wilbur's tail as hard as he could. The pain from the bite brought him back.
What did Charlotte say about the meaning of friendship when Wilbur doubted he deserved her help?
Charlotte said that being a friend is a tremendous thing in itself. She told Wilbur that by helping him and being his friend, her life became more meaningful, and that was why she did it.
Why was Templeton reluctant to help at first, and what changed his mind to assist Wilbur?
Templeton was reluctant because he felt no one ever appreciated or thanked him for favors. He changed his mind and agreed to help after Wilbur promised him something he wanted.
What word did Wilbur hear coming from the doorway one late afternoon, and what did this mean for him?
Salutations
Three of Charlotte's children decided to stay at the barn because they liked it and they liked Wilbur. As time went on, Charlotte's legacy lived on because a couple of her descendants always stayed at the barn. For Wilbur, that meant that he was never without a friend.
What word means feeling lonely, sad, or abandoned?
forlorn