How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"I don't want to die!" screamed Wilbur, throwing himself to the ground.
"You shall not die," said Charlotte, briskly.
"What? Really?" cried Wilbur. "Who's going to save me?"
"I am," said Charlotte.
"How?" asked Wilbur.
"That remains to be seen. But I am going to save you, and I want you to quiet down immediately. You're carrying on in a childish way. Stop your crying! I can't stand hysterics." (7.22-26)
Wilbur is so upset about dying that he starts throwing a tantrum. We can understand; the little guy is definitely scared. But Charlotte is not about to stand for such shenanigans. What do you think about her reaction to Wilbur?
Quote #5
"Charlotte?" he said, softly.
"Yes, Wilbur?"
"I don't want to die."
"Of course you don't," said Charlotte, in a comforting voice. (9.62)
Wilbur is pretty upfront with his feelings about death. He doesn't want to die, and that's that. Check out how Charlotte has changed her tune a bit. Before she was pretty harsh. But now she's a bit softer when she talks to Wilbur. Why do you think this happens?
Quote #6
Mr. Arable studied Wilbur carefully. "Yes, he's a wonderful pig," he said. "It's hard to believe that he was the runt of the litter. You'll get some extra good ham and bacon, Homer, when it comes time to kill that pig." (16.46)
Wilbur had hoped all of Charlotte's signs would convince his owners not to kill him. But here it sounds like they might be convincing the humans to kill him instead! Plus, it's the morning of the fair. Does Mr. Arable really need to be so rude? Talking about death right before the fair might put a damper on the day, especially for Wilbur. (To be fair, they don't know he can understand them.)