Student Question
Is killing the pig in Charlotte's Web unjust?
Quick answer:
The decision to kill Wilbur in "Charlotte's Web" can be debated as unjust or not. From the Zuckermans' perspective, as farmers, livestock like Wilbur are sources of income and food, making the act guided by reason and thus not unjust by definition. However, considering Fern's emotional attachment and the familial relationship, one could argue that it is unfair or unkind to disregard her feelings, suggesting an element of injustice.
In the book Charlotte's Web, Wilbur the pig becomes good friends with Charlotte the spider. After the runt pig is nursed to health by a young girl named Fern, Wilbur is sold to Fern's uncle, who owns a farm. He is close by, so Fern will be able to visit.
According to dictionary.com, the definition of unjust is "not just." The definition of just is "guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness."
In my opinion, using that definition, killing Wilbur would not be unjust. The Zuckermans own a farm. To them, livestock is a source of income as well as food. Their motivation for buying Wilbur was for their profit or benefit, not for emotional attachment as a pet. They could justify killing Wilbur because their motivation is guided by reason.
On the other hand, one might argue that killing Wilbur would be unfair, or at the very least unkind, to Fern. Since she is family and she is so attached to the animal, her views are very clear. One would expect the Zuckermans to take her views into account.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.