On the Features of Charlotte’s Web as a Children’s Novel_英语论文

摘要

《夏洛的网》是美国著名作家E.B.怀特晚年的代表作。这部小说思想深刻，创作手法娴熟。作为美国著名散文家和批评家，怀特的文风冷峻清丽，辛辣幽默，自成一格。除散文之外，怀特还写了三部儿童幻想小说：《精灵鼠小弟》、《夏洛的网》和《吹小号的天鹅》。这些儿童小说受到孩童和大人的共同喜爱。

本论文旨在从剖析儿童文学的特点这一角度入手，主要从不真实的背景、卡通人物、寓言式的情节以及有教育意义的主题四个方面，细致而全面地分析E.B.怀特的代表作《夏洛的网》体现出的儿童文学的特点，让读者对《夏洛的网》和E.B.怀特独特的艺术风格有更深入的了解。正是怀特独特的创作思想和艺术手法，使得《夏洛的网》在美国文学史上占据重要的位置。

关键词：E.B.怀特；《夏洛的网》；儿童文学；威尔伯；夏洛特 

Abstract

Charlotte’s Web is written by the famous American Writer E.B. White in his twilight years, which is profound in idea and proficient in writing techniques. Being a famous American essayist and critic of his time, White is known for his crisp, graceful and relaxed style. Besides essays, E.B. White also writes three fantasies, Stuart Little, Charlotte’s Web and The Trumpet of the Swan for children. These children’s stories are very popular among not only kids but also adults. 

This thesis aims to analyze the features of E.B. White’s famous children’s novel Charlotte’s Web from the perspective of exploring the characteristics of children’s literature, including the unrealistic setting, cartoon characters, allegorical plots and instructive themes. The detailed analysis of the novel will deepen readers’ understanding of the features of children’s literature revealed in the novel and help readers to appreciate E.B. White’s great artistic charm. Owing to the special artistic techniques and creative thoughts, this novel has a special position in the American literary history.

Key Words: E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web, children’s literature, Wilbur, Charlotte

Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Demonstration 3

2.1 Unrealistic setting in Charlotte’s Web  3

2.1.1 An imaginary world 3

2.1.2 Symbolic settings 4

2.2 Cartoon characters in Charlotte’s Web 5

2.2.1 The pig Wilbur 6

2.2.2 The spider Charlotte 6

2.2.3 The rat Templeton 7

2.3 Allegorical plots of Charlotte’s Web 8

2.3.1 The plot of Charlotte’s weaving words on her web to save Wilbur’s life 8

2.3.2 The plot of Wilbur’s leaving home and returning home 9

2.3.3 The plot of Fern’s understanding animals’ conversations 10

2.4 Instructive themes of Charlotte’s Web 11

2.4.1 The theme of growth 11

2.4.2 The theme of friendship 12

2.4.3 The theme of life and death 12

3. Conclusion 13

Works Cited 15 

Bibliography 16