Charlotte’s Web might technically be a book for kids, but E.B. White’s classic 1952 novel is just as entertaining for adults as it is for children — which is why we have absolutely no problem reading it for our kids every single time they ask.
And it’s a classic for a reason — the heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship has a message that will never get old. Charlotte (spoiler alert!) might have died right after sparing Wilbur’s life by saving him from slaughter, but her spirit will live on in the book forever.
We’ve gathered our absolute favorite quotes from the story so you can reminisce about Wilbur and his wise eight-legged friend all you want. White’s words are both poignant and enlightening — but you might want to grab a box of tissues. Some of these are real tearjerkers.
Originally published August 2016. Updated September 2017.
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A true friend
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows It’s an unbeatable combo.
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What’s a life, anyway?
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows It’s a bug’s life.
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Never hurry
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows We always knew Charlotte was wise.
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Children
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows So true.
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A friend
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows Don’t we all?
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A man
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows Let’s talk specifics.
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Fool a man
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows And most are definitely not as smart as Charlotte.
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A prize
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows Sure is!
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I don’t understand
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows So many of us can relate.
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A tremendous thing
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows Great friendship is truly tremendous.
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Good things
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows The wise words of Templeton the Rat.
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Meetings
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows Tell me about it!
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Rich & steady
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows The anticipation!
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Hard to sleep
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows Gotta love a clear head and a midnight snack.
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Such a friend
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows We should all have a friend like this.
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Too young
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows The world can be a big and scary place.
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Salutations
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows Charlotte always was a fancy lady.
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Change the world
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows Get writing!
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Lift up my life
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows Helping others helps us.
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Gullible
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows Be careful what you believe, people.
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Chin up
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows Smile!
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I’ll do
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows We love a spider who’s confident in her looks.
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A new friend
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows New friendships can be exciting and nerve-wracking.
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No ordinary pig
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows That is some pig.
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Modest
Image Credit: Image: Getty Images/Design: Karen Cox/SheKnows The best pigs are modest pigs.
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Beloved ‘Charlotte’s Web’ quotes
Image Credit: Design: Karen Cox/Sheknows; Image: Getty Images Pin these 25 quotes if you love Charlotte’s Web as much as we do!
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