Wilbur was desperate. The people were coming. And the rat was failing him. Suddenly he remembered Templeton's fondness for food.
"Templeton," he said, "I will make you a solemn promise. Get Charlotte's egg sac for me, and from now on I will let you eat first, when Lurvy slops me." (21.40-41)
When Wilbur hears that Charlotte needs to get her egg sac back to the Zuckerman barn, he sets to work right away. It takes Wilbur multiple attempts to get Templeton to listen to him, but our persevering pig doesn't give up. He keeps trying to convince Templeton to help out until he hits on the magic key: food.
Quote 20
Wilbur admired the way Charlotte managed. He was particularly glad that she always put her victim to sleep before eating it.
"It's real thoughtful of you to do that, Charlotte," he said.
"Yes," she replied in her sweet, musical voice, "I always give them an anaesthetic so they won't feel pain. It's a little service I throw in." (7.2-4)
Charlotte might be a ruthless fly-killer, but at least she's a "thoughtful" one. What do you think about the way Charlotte talks about her victims?
Quote 21
"I don't want to die!" screamed Wilbur, throwing himself to the ground.
"You shall not die," said Charlotte, briskly.
"What? Really?" cried Wilbur. "Who's going to save me?"
"I am," said Charlotte.
"How?" asked Wilbur.
"That remains to be seen. But I am going to save you, and I want you to quiet down immediately. You're carrying on in a childish way. Stop your crying! I can't stand hysterics." (7.22-26)
Wilbur is so upset about dying that he starts throwing a tantrum. We can understand; the little guy is definitely scared. But Charlotte is not about to stand for such shenanigans. What do you think about her reaction to Wilbur?