A few days ago I was snuggled up with my little Rose (4) as we read the last remaining chapters of Charlotte’s Web. She then fell asleep in my arms and I quickly followed. These blissful parenting moments are few and far between these days and I savored every moment. As we came to the conclusion of the tale, I wondered if Charlotte’s death would touch me the same way it had 6 years ago. I read this book to my oldest, Hazel, in September 2007. I knew the story well, even though I hadn’t read the book since I was a child, but the illustrations were still familiar. This is truly a masterpiece! Hazel was intrigued by the farm animals, our discussions of life and death, Charlotte’s webs and of course, she loved the pictures. I didn’t expect to be captivated by White’s storytelling, but I found myself in tears as Charlotte’s beautiful and brief life comes to an end. I suffer from a mild case of arachnophobia and I was shocked at my emotions!
Sure enough—Charlotte’s end got to me once more, and I think it always will. Hers is a simple life of love and sacrifice. White brings deep themes into the playful atmosphere of a barn and amazingly reaches young children and adults simultaneously. One of my favorite passages from this book is a conversation between Wilbur and Charlotte, in which they discuss her egg sac.
Wilbur:
“What is that nifty little thing? Did you make it?”
“I did indeed, “replied Charlotte in a weak voice.
“Is it a plaything?”
“Plaything? I should say not. It is my egg sac, my magnum opus.”
“I don’t know what a magnum opus is,” said Wilbur.
“That’s Latin,” explained Charlotte. “It means ‘great work’. This egg sac is my great work—the finest thing I have ever made.” (144)
Since coming across this term, Magnum Opus, I’ve questioned my own life and where I spend my energies. Like Charlotte, I consider my children to be the greatest work of my life. It is an exhausting work and the satisfaction comes in degrees—perhaps much of it later. It is a great responsibility and privilege to parent and I’ve never had so many of my own faults stare me in the face in the process. I only hope that my successes will eventually outweigh my weaknesses in this regard. What is your Magnum Opus, your great work, or the finest thing you have ever made?
Here is another exchange between the two main characters that I enjoy:
“Why did you do all this for me?” he asked. “I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.”
“You have been my friend,” replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing. After all, what’s a life, anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die. A spider’s life can’t help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that.” (164)
And here are the perfect last lines of the novel:
“It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.” (184, final sentence of the book)
And yes, I realize this another “death” book–it’s hopeless!
hear~read~see~speak 
January 25, 2014 at 12:14 am
Loved reading this!! I read the book years ago, and more recently watched our old VCR version of the story. It is touching. Was it Lily, James or Noah who played Wilber in their elementary school’s play? And yes, much of the satisfaction and rewards of the exhausting work of being a parent comes later–in seeing you and your siblings raising your own families. It is a great responsibility and privilege to be a parent–and now a grandparent!
January 25, 2014 at 3:07 am
Such a fabulous book to re-enjoy as an adult. As I read classics to my kids, I’m shocked at how profound much of it is to adult ears only. The kids enjoy the fluff, and the cute characters but completely miss the true content. I suppose that’s the way much of life is–lost on the young. Music lessons, school, sunny-carefree days, etc etc. One only begins to appreciate it as one really starts to age.
January 25, 2014 at 5:26 am
Beautiful writing Alyson. I need to read the book to my children. What tender moments to have with your magnum opus.