A theme I found very important in Charlotte's Web was the way we rely on others. In so many instances, the codependent fashion of, well, all of us, is brought around throughout the book.
Wilbur often places himself in another's hands. For instance, Wilbur trusts Charlotte when she tells him she could save his life, without even asking. On page 51, "I don't want to die!" screamed Wilbur, throwing himself to the ground. "You shall not die," said Charlotte, briskly. "What? Really?" cried Wilbur.
After that, he was completely assured in Charlotte. No second thoughts.
I'm very skeptical about that. But that's the real reason I chose this theme. Because I don't think it's Ever a good choice to rely on someone. It never turns out the way you want. At least for me, I'm putting my own bias into this whole thing. But how could I not?
I realize that I rely on others for everything. There's the big picture: My education, my food, the roof over my head, even the way I act. (We would all be different people if not for the people around us and our surroundings.) But then there's the smaller, more important things. Many times I've relied on friends to help me out in tough spots. I always assume that they know how to fix my problems, and often, they don't. It's not because I have bad friends, it's because they're human. But because I put all my trust in someone who really is just mortal, we both end up in bad spots.
Can you think of a time where really putting all your trust in someone else was a good idea? Maybe once or twice, but not much more. It's like betting on a horse, or gambling, when the odds are never in your favor. It's kids who have spent their whole lives getting away with everything because of their parent's wallet, being thrown out into the world. Still just as mature as the day they turned 5.
I'm afraid that I might be kind of like one of those kids. Although my parents have never had much money to give me, they have supplied me with all my food and clothes and entertainment. And they're helping me a lot in this high school process. I don't know whether to thank them or not. Because not only do I think it's bad to rely on others, I don't think it's good to let others rely on you. Like I said before, it doesn't work out for either of the parties. I just know I'll be thrown into the world a baby, without any clue how to make a life for myself.
That's a reason I think being independent is the best. Because being codependent keeps us children forever- and not in the good way. How does anyone ever mature if they're used to having everything done for them?
In the book, even past the time he was adult enough to be killed, Wilbur acts like a baby. For most of the book, we could blame his immaturity on the fact that he was young. But not forever. Wilbur finally grows up when Charlotte is dying. When he realizes that he can't rely on her any longer. That's when, for the first time in his life, he takes charge and gets Charlotte's children.
He makes a plan to raise them, and he finally grows up.
I think the reason he stays acting immature is because he was given Everything.
So grow up, and do some things for yourself please.
