Charlotte’s Web Chapter 17 Uncle
The Arables, Zuckermans, Lurvy, Wilbur, Charlotte and Templeton arrive at the fair. The first thing Fern and Avery do is ask for money so they can buy things and go on rides.
The adults are reluctantly okay with the kids going off by themselves, but before they leave Fern and Avery are peppered with cautions from everyone.
“And don’t get lost.”
“And don’t get dirty.”
“Watch out for pickpockets.”
Avery and Fern, holding hands, leave to have fun.
“Do you really think it’s all right?” asks Mrs. Arable.
“Well, they’ve got to grow up sometime,” said Mr. Arable. “And a fair is a good place to start. I guess.”
Wilbur is taken out of his crate and settled into his pen. Charlotte climbs up to the rafters and that’s when she sees the enormous pig called Uncle the next pen over.
It turns out that Uncle is the same age as Wilbur (a spring pig) but he is much larger and grander. So much so, that it seems he is taking attention away from Wilbur, the “terrific” and “radiant” pig. If Wilbur is not valued, he might be killed.
Charlotte decides that she’ll spin a web for Wilbur when she gets the energy. She’s been feeling so very tired lately.
At lunchtime, the adults and children meet back at the truck to share a picnic. Lurvy had won an Indian blanket and so they stretched it across the truck sideboards to create some shade under which they all enjoyed their meal.
Chapter 17 Lessons Learned
Mr. Arable cautions his children to make the money he gives them last all day.
Lesson Learned –Best financial advice ever, make it last by always living within or under your means.
Fern and Avery leave their parents to explore the fair.
Lesson Learned –.Parents have to hope that the lessons they’ve taught their children over the years stick when those kids finally begin to leave the nest.
The pig Uncle is larger and appears to be grander than Wilbur. Wilbur and Charlotte are concerned.
Lesson Learned – You know what? If you always compare yourself to others, you’re never going to be happy. But if someone *is* getting more attention, don’t sit and fret – instead figure out what you can do to join in the discussion.
Charlotte agrees to spin a web, but because she’s tired, she’ll do it a bit later after a rest.
Lesson Learned: It’s God’s work to help others, but in order to help others, you need to take care of yourself first. If you’re too tired, nothing will get done. Rest.
Everyone meets at lunchtime to share a picnic lunch.
Lesson Learned: Even when your kids leave the nest, they’ll always come back for a good meal.
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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at Wendy@SimpleThrift.com
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