The last word Charlotte A. Cavatica wrote in her web for Wilbur was humble.
The Significance of Charlotte's Final Message
In E.B. White's classic novel, Charlotte's Web, Charlotte, the wise and resourceful spider, embarks on a mission to save her dear friend, Wilbur the pig, from an unfortunate fate. She achieves this by weaving words into her web that describe Wilbur's special qualities, drawing attention to him and making him a celebrated attraction.
Throughout her efforts, Charlotte inscribed words of praise such as "Some Pig," "Terrific," and "Radiant." However, her ultimate word choice, humble, carried a distinct and profound meaning:
- Elevating Wilbur's Character: By choosing "humble," Charlotte aimed to highlight a more significant and enduring quality in Wilbur beyond superficial charm or physical attractiveness. It suggested a depth of character that "radiant" or "terrific" couldn't fully capture.
- A Gentle Reminder for Fame: Despite the widespread fame and adoration Wilbur had achieved thanks to Charlotte's ingenious plan, the word served as a subtle yet powerful reminder. It encouraged Wilbur to stay grounded and connected to his true, unassuming self, preventing him from succumbing to arrogance or forgetting his origins.
This final word was a heartfelt act of friendship, a lasting legacy from Charlotte to Wilbur that embodied wisdom and a profound understanding of character.
