Charlotte's Web Style

Charlotte's Web Style

Point of View

Charlotte's Web is told through a third-person narrator. Because it is, first and foremost, a children's novel, this somewhat-distant narration is able to convey all parts of the story without bias, while at the same time moving the action along and making it easy to follow. Also, though this is a third-person narrative, much of the action follows the inner thought processes of Wilbur, creating a child-like view for readers of all ages.

Setting

The novel is set primarily on a farm in what appears to be 1950s middle America. The setting of a farm, where life and death are accepted as a matter of nature, allows White to fully explore themes of mortality and the natural order of things in a way that is often difficult to approach in children's literature.

Language and Meaning

White uses simple, straightforward language in this novel. It is clear, however, that he has a deep affection for...
(read more)