"I just realized that there are no evil characters in this book."
There are no evil characters in this book. For instance the Zuckermans are going to kill Wilbur. but they're portrayed as a nice family. Mr Zuckerman is a decent, jolly man. Mrs Zuckerman is a kind, mother-like woman. the Arable parents, who sold wilbur off in full knowledge that he would eventually be killed, are even nicer. Mr Arable is very patient and wise. Mrs Arable is caring and a little overbearing, but not evil.
Templeton is the most evil character. he is cruel and greedy and uncaring. but he doesn't directly do anything bad to the protagonist, Wilbur. In fact he helps save his life several times. In most other books he would be the antagonist and would do everything he can to hurt Wilbur. But E.B. White made him just another character, and even like able because of his extreme evilness. He is so irritable, and uncaring of others, its funny.
There isn't really any antagonist, either. what they're protecting Wilbur against is the fact he will be killed for ham around christmas, not really any person. just an idea. Mr Zuckerman is the one who'll do the deed, but he is not really that connected to it in the book.
Maybe E.B. White is saying that everyone has a role in life. The Zuckermans are people who kill pigs, among other things. that is how they live. it's not evil what they do, just a way of life. The Arables sell pigs. it's what they do. everything and everybody have a role in the circle of life.
Eamon I really liked how you made me think in the last paragraph about how everyone can be portrayed in an evil way but it's also their role in life.
ReplyDeleteBut when you made me think of that I also started thinking of Templeton. What is his role in life? I mean as a rat not as THE rat who helped save Wilbur's life and charlottes eggs. I think you could have made that a little more clear.
you are bad at everything you try. Go kill yourself.
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