How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Wilbur was what farmers call a spring pig, which simply means that he was born in springtime. (2.9)
This is one of the first times that we learn what season it is, but it's not the last. The narrator is always pointing out the time of year. And it seems pretty important that Wilbur is identified with the time of year he was born. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for other places where Wilbur is called a "spring pig."
Quote #2
The early summer days on a farm are the happiest and fairest days of the year. Lilacs bloom and make the air sweet, and then fade. Apple blossoms come with the lilacs, and the bees visit around among the apple trees. (6.1)
We have to agree, summer is awesome! On the farm, summer means lots of flowers and fruit. Plus, this quote is in a chapter called "Summer Days." If you keep a lookout, lots of the chapters have titles that track the seasons.
Quote #3
"Well, I don't like to spread bad news," said the sheep, "but they're fattening you up because they're going to kill you, that's why."
"They're going to what?" screamed Wilbur. Fern grew rigid on her stool.
"Kill you. Turn you into smoked bacon and ham," continued the old sheep. "Almost all the young pigs get murdered by the farmer as soon as the real cold weather sets in. There's a regular conspiracy around here to kill you at Christmastime." (7.10-12)
Wilbur's just learned some bad news: winter is pig-killing time. This definitely puts a damper on the whole beautiful changing seasons thing. But there's hope: the sheep says almost all.