The not so Subtle Portrayal of Supernatural Elements in E.b. White’s Charlotte’s Web and Louis Sachar’s Holes

The presence of supernatural elements in children's literature often serves as a means to explore deeper themes and emotions. In E.B. White's *Charlotte's Web* and Louis Sachar's *Holes*, nature acts as the backdrop for a series of extraordinary events that intertwine the mundane with the mystical. Merriam-Webster defines the supernatural as “attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.” In both novels, the interplay between nature and the supernatural not only captivates the reader's imagination but also raises profound questions about life, fate, and friendship.

Supernatural Elements in *Charlotte's Web*

*Charlotte's Web* is steeped in supernatural occurrences that challenge the boundaries of reality. The most striking elements include talking animals, the miraculous appearance of words in a spider's web, and the enchanting beauty of the natural world, which serves as a refuge for the characters. The ability of animals to communicate is a fantastical notion that defies logic, yet it is central to the narrative. Fern's mother, Mrs. Arable, represents the skepticism of adults who dismiss Fern's experiences as mere imagination, saying, “She’s just got a lively imagination. Kids think they hear all sorts of things” (White 54). This perspective reflects a common adult tendency to overlook the extraordinary potential of a child’s perception.

Ironically, while the adults in the story doubt the possibility of animal speech, they readily accept the notion of supernatural signs when words appear in Charlotte's web. Trudelle H. Thomas notes that the adults interpret these messages as divine miracles, believing Wilbur to be special due to the praise inscribed in the web (Thomas 203). This contradiction highlights the theme of belief and imagination, suggesting that the true essence of the supernatural may lie in our willingness to see beyond the ordinary.

The Role of Nature as a Safe Haven

Nature, in *Charlotte's Web*, serves as a sanctuary where love flourishes and friendships develop. The bond between Charlotte and Wilbur exemplifies a pure, selfless love that transcends the boundaries of species. As E.B. White poignantly states, “Wilbur never forgot Charlotte...She was in a class by herself” (White 184). This connection underscores the idea that nature nurtures relationships and provides solace amidst life's challenges. The web that Charlotte spins is not just a physical structure; it embodies the supernatural force that ultimately saves Wilbur's life, transforming him from an ordinary pig into a celebrated figure.

Supernatural Themes in *Holes*

In contrast, *Holes* by Louis Sachar presents a different interpretation of the supernatural, rooted in themes of fate and history. The narrative intricately weaves together the lives of Elya Yelnats and his descendants, illustrating how fate brings them together across generations. Pat Pinsent emphasizes that the novel is filled with magical formulas and curses, such as Elya’s broken promise to Madame Zeroni, which echoes through time (Pinsent 207). This curse manifests in Stanley Yelnats' misfortunes, creating a connection between past and present that defies the bounds of reality.

The landscape in *Holes* is not merely a setting but a character in its own right, haunted by the histories of its inhabitants. Kirsten Mllegaard argues that the novel illustrates how landscapes are imbued with past experiences, shaping the characters' realities and relationships (Mllegaard 139). Nature serves as both a refuge and a catalyst for the unfolding events, offering Stanley and Zero critical moments of salvation throughout their journey.

Nature as a Source of Redemption

In *Holes*, nature repeatedly saves the protagonists, highlighting its role as a nurturing force. The boys find refuge in the haunting remnants of history, such as Sam's overturned boat, which provides sustenance during their trials. This connection to nature culminates in their ascent of God’s Thumb, where they fulfill the obligations tied to their ancestors and ultimately break the family curse. The onions, which protect them from danger, symbolize the intertwining of nature and the supernatural, revealing how the past influences the present in unexpected ways.

In conclusion, both *Charlotte's Web* and *Holes* intricately explore the supernatural through the lens of nature, offering readers a rich tapestry of wonder and reflection. While *Charlotte's Web* captivates with its enchanting portrayal of animal communication and the miraculous, *Holes* delves into the complexities of fate and historical legacy. Together, these narratives illustrate the profound impact of the supernatural on the human experience, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries that lie beyond the ordinary.

Works Cited

• Misheff, Sue. "Beneath the Web and over the Stream: The Search for Safe Places in Charlotte's Web and Bridge to Terabithia." *Children's Literature in Education*, vol. 29, no. 3, Sept. 1998, pp. 131-141.
• Mllegaard, Kirsten. "Haunting and History in Louis Sachar's Holes." *Western American Literature*, vol. 45 no. 2, 2010, pp. 138-161.
• Pinsent, Pat. "Fate and Fortune in a Modern Fairy Tale: Louis Sachar's Holes." *Children's Literature in Education*, vol. 33, no. 3, Sept. 2002, pp. 203-212.
• Sachar, Louis. *Holes*. Thorndike Press, 2000.
• Thomas, Trudelle H. "The Arc of the Rope Swing: Humour, Poetry, and Spirituality in Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White." *International Journal of Children's Spirituality*, vol. 21, no. 3/4, Aug-Nov 2016, pp. 201-215.
• White, E. B., and Garth Williams. *Charlotte's Web*. Harper, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2012.