Direct, simple, clear prose that convey deep truths. Another great post, a delight to read. Not surprising that you and Mr. White share similar sensibilities and talents.
Emily, I really enjoyed your discussion of “Charlotte’s Web”—it’s been so long since I read it (as a child), and it’s good to see its depths explored.
I wonder though—isn’t the vision of friendship in the work political, as someone like Aristotle would think of politics? And doesn’t that challenge your earlier assertion about art not being able to “have anything to do with politics”? If you’ve written anything more on that relationship I’d love to read it.
Alex, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I should have said that art doesn’t have anything to do with politics “in the narrow sense.” But art has much to do with politics in the wider sense, which includes history and culture and life in the polis (and this is the sense in which Aristotle discusses politics).
Another great article, Mrs. Finley! Thank you! I loved the Charlotte's Web movie when I was a girl (so much, alas, that I insisted on watching it once and made my sister cry with the sad ending), but I have never read the book. I wanted to for a long time, but as I grew up and got into more complex books, it got away from me. It's strange that the book is seen as a children's story nowadays. It sounds just like the kind of book I would love to read. I can tell the movie didn't live up to the book just from reading the excerpts you provided.
The book is so moving--I had to try not to cry at the end! I also had only seen the movie as a kid, and I was excited to read it with my kids. The movie pales in comparison to this wonderful book.
Fantastic post, Emily! "Charlotte's Web" impresses me every single time I read it; it is an absolute masterpiece.
Isn’t it good? I don’t think I read it as a kid. Mine loved it!
Direct, simple, clear prose that convey deep truths. Another great post, a delight to read. Not surprising that you and Mr. White share similar sensibilities and talents.
Emily, I really enjoyed your discussion of “Charlotte’s Web”—it’s been so long since I read it (as a child), and it’s good to see its depths explored.
I wonder though—isn’t the vision of friendship in the work political, as someone like Aristotle would think of politics? And doesn’t that challenge your earlier assertion about art not being able to “have anything to do with politics”? If you’ve written anything more on that relationship I’d love to read it.
Alex, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I should have said that art doesn’t have anything to do with politics “in the narrow sense.” But art has much to do with politics in the wider sense, which includes history and culture and life in the polis (and this is the sense in which Aristotle discusses politics).
Another great article, Mrs. Finley! Thank you! I loved the Charlotte's Web movie when I was a girl (so much, alas, that I insisted on watching it once and made my sister cry with the sad ending), but I have never read the book. I wanted to for a long time, but as I grew up and got into more complex books, it got away from me. It's strange that the book is seen as a children's story nowadays. It sounds just like the kind of book I would love to read. I can tell the movie didn't live up to the book just from reading the excerpts you provided.
The book is so moving--I had to try not to cry at the end! I also had only seen the movie as a kid, and I was excited to read it with my kids. The movie pales in comparison to this wonderful book.