Lecture Notes: Charlotte's Web - Chapter 1: Before Breakfast

Introduction

• Book: Charlotte's Web
• Author: E.B. White
• Illustrator: Garth Williams
• Reader: Joshua Cashel

Key Events in Chapter 1

Fern Learns of the Pig's Fate

• Setting: Fern and her mother are setting the breakfast table.
• Key Dialogue:
  • Fern asks why her father has an axe. Her mother explains a runt pig was born and her father plans to kill it.
  • Fern protests against the unfairness of killing the runt pig.

Fern's Reaction

• Fern's Plea:
  • Fern runs outside, pleading with her father not to kill the pig.
  • Emotionally questions her father's decision, comparing it to if she were small at birth.

Mr. Arable's Decision

• Father's Response:
  • Initially firm but moved by Fern's argument.
  • Decides to let Fern keep and raise the pig with a bottle.

Fern's New Responsibility

• Introducing the Pig:
  • Mr. Arable brings the pig home in a carton and places it on Fern's chair.
  • Fern names the pig "Wilbur" and is allowed to care for it.
  • Avery, Fern's brother, expresses interest in the pig but is denied a pig of his own.

Fern's Care for Wilbur

• Feeding:
  • Fern feeds Wilbur warm milk from a baby bottle.
• Fern’s Happiness:
  • Described as blissful, considers herself lucky.
  • Names the pig "Wilbur" on the school bus.

Closing Remarks

• Fern is so caught up with Wilbur that she mistakenly answers "Wilbur" when asked about the capital of Pennsylvania in class.

Channel Promotion

• Narrator: Josh Cashel introduces his channel, Inglés Esencial.
• Call to Action: Encourages viewers to like and subscribe to support the channel.

These notes cover the main points and events from Chapter 1 of "Charlotte's Web," capturing Fern's emotional journey and her determination to save and care for Wilbur, the runt pig.