“You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing.” — Charlotte
Chapter 1: Before Breakfast
Fern Arable, an eight-year-old girl, stops her father from killing a runt piglet. She names him Wilbur and raises him lovingly, feeding him with a bottle and treating him like a pet.
Chapter 2: Wilbur
Wilbur grows quickly and is eventually sold to Fern’s uncle, Homer Zuckerman, who keeps him in a barn. Fern visits Wilbur often, but he feels lonely without her constant companionship.
Chapter 3: Escape
Wilbur tries to escape the barn but fails. A goose encourages him, but he is eventually lured back with food. He longs for a friend.
Chapter 4: Loneliness
Wilbur struggles with loneliness in the barn. The other animals are indifferent or dismissive. He yearns for companionship but finds none until a small voice speaks to him in the night.
Chapter 5: Charlotte
Wilbur meets Charlotte, a gray spider living in the barn’s doorway. She introduces herself and assures him they will be friends. Though initially wary of her predatory nature, Wilbur grows fond of her.
Chapter 6: Summer Days
Fern spends more time at the barn, listening to the animals’ conversations. Charlotte explains her web-spinning and hunting techniques to Wilbur, who admires her skill.
Chapter 7: Bad News
The old sheep informs Wilbur that Zuckerman plans to slaughter him for Christmas. Devastated, Wilbur panics, but Charlotte promises to save him.
Chapter 8: A Talk at Home
Fern’s parents discuss her strange behavior—spending so much time in the barn—and wonder if she truly hears the animals talking.
Chapter 9: Wilbur’s Boast
Wilbur, eager to impress Charlotte, tries (and fails) to spin a web. The other animals tease him, but Charlotte comforts him, reminding him that everyone has different talents.
Chapter 10: An Explosion
A rotten egg breaks, driving the barn’s inhabitants to temporary chaos. Meanwhile, Charlotte devises a plan to save Wilbur.
Chapter 11: The Miracle
Charlotte weaves the words “SOME PIG” into her web, attracting human attention. The Zuckermans and others see it as a miracle, and Wilbur becomes famous.
Chapter 12: A Meeting
Charlotte holds a meeting with the barn animals to brainstorm more words to write in her web. They settle on “TERRIFIC,” further boosting Wilbur’s reputation.
Chapter 13: Good Progress
Wilbur is pampered and admired. Charlotte weaves “RADIANT” into her web, ensuring Wilbur’s safety. Meanwhile, Fern’s visits decrease as she grows more interested in her friend Henry Fussy.
Chapter 14: Dr. Dorian
Fern’s mother consults Dr. Dorian about her daughter’s behavior. The doctor reassures her, suggesting Fern’s fascination with the barn is just a phase.
Chapter 15: The Crickets
Autumn arrives, and the crickets sing of change. Charlotte, feeling weak, reveals she is unlikely to survive the winter but remains focused on saving Wilbur.
Chapter 16: Off to the Fair
Wilbur is taken to the county fair, accompanied by Charlotte and Templeton, the gluttonous rat. Charlotte, though frail, decides to go to ensure Wilbur’s victory.
Chapter 17: Uncle
At the fair, Wilbur meets Uncle, a gigantic pig, and fears he won’t win. Charlotte weaves “HUMBLE” into her web, drawing crowds.
Chapter 18: The Cool of the Evening
Wilbur wins a special prize, securing his future. Charlotte, exhausted, tells Wilbur she is dying and won’t return to the barn.
Chapter 19: The Egg Sac
Charlotte reveals she has laid an egg sac containing 514 eggs. She asks Wilbur to take it back to the barn, ensuring her children’s survival.
Chapter 20: The Hour of Triumph
Wilbur is awarded a medal, and the fair ends. Charlotte, too weak to move, bids Wilbur a heartfelt goodbye.
Chapter 21: Last Day
Charlotte dies alone at the fairgrounds. Wilbur, heartbroken, returns to the barn with Templeton and the egg sac.
Chapter 22: A Warm Wind
Winter passes, and in spring, Charlotte’s eggs hatch. Most spiderlings leave, but three stay, becoming Wilbur’s new friends. Wilbur never forgets Charlotte, honoring her memory for the rest of his life.
Key Ideas
- The power of friendship and loyalty.
- The cycle of life and acceptance of mortality.
- Selflessness and sacrifice for others.
- The beauty of nature and simple miracles.
- The innocence of childhood and growing up.
Who should read this book?
- Children learning about friendship and loss.
- Adults seeking a nostalgic, heartwarming story.
- Teachers and parents introducing themes of kindness and nature.
- Animal lovers who enjoy anthropomorphic tales.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Charlotte’s Web (animated film) | Hanna-Barbera production with Debbie Reynolds as Charlotte. |
| 2006 | Charlotte’s Web (live-action film) | Starring Dakota Fanning, with Julia Roberts voicing Charlotte. |