Elwyn Brooks White was one of the greatest authors of his time. He based his stories on things he found interesting or enjoyed when he was younger. Charlotte's Web is one of the greatest books of its time. People still enjoy the magic of its contents. It is a book for children,but many adults also enjoy reading it. Charlotte's Web is a story that centres on the three themes of friendship, death and growth.
             Friendship is one of the major themes which weaves its way in and out of the fabric of the book (Neumeyer 41). The idea of friendship is shown through Charlotte and Wilbur's relationship and how they treat each other. Charlotte was like a mother to Wilbur (Neumeyer 61). She took care of him and made sure he was not in danger of dying. She saved his life. Charlotte was like a teacher to Wilbur as he asked her to explain many things to him (Neumeyer 47). Charlotte also taught Wilbur a great deal about life, and through her efforts Wilbur finds life and self-esteem. Charlotte was more valuable to Wilbur than any of his prizes or his fame (http://search.global.epnet.com).
             To be a friend is to set self-interest aside and always put your friends before yourself. Charlotte always put Wilbur's interests before her own. She taught him many things and even though she knew she was dying she remained his teacher. Charlotte goes with Wilbur to the fair even though she senses her approaching end (Neumeyer 116,122). She sacrificed most of her time to spin webs which prevented Wilbur from being butchered. Wilbur returned the favour by sacrificing his food privileges to Templeton, the rat, in exchange for his rescuing Charlotte's egg sac from the eaves (Neumeyer 168). Wilbur and Charlotte helped each other in many different ways, which was one of the highlights of their friendship. The theme of death is firmly interwoven into the text of Charlotte's Web, from the beginning of the book, when Fern's father g...