Charlotte’s Web
by EB White
Illustrated by Garth Williams
1952, Harper & Bros.
Add to the discussion
The initial conversation addresses some of the questions that are used to analyze a primary source, but not all. Please record your insights on the following prompts, and what it can tell us about everyday American life in the era. Then, submit them to the site for publication:
The cover are has EB White’s earlier work, Stuart Little, illustrated directly into it. What does this tell you about the author’s status in society by the early 1950s?
The Fryeburg Fair in Maine is said to be the backdrop of the story’s finale, making this story specific to Northern New England. Does this change anything about its message or reach?
Do a little bit of research and decide what how the book was made and based on what material can tell us about the time period.
This space is reserved for a contextualizing essay. If you would like to contribute one, please contact us.
Listen to the original conversations
Gallery
The podcast refers to Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little by EB White, as well as several titles by Beverly Cleary and a few by Judy Blume. These all share in many qualities including the fact that they have appeared in other media such as movies. Include your images of movies or TV shows based on these author’s books, and include a caption as to why you think they were made.