We, the Freemans, had been chosen to take part in an experiment and we were going to teach sign language to a chimpanzee.
-- Charlotte (Charlotte)

Importance: Early in the first chapter, Charlotte effectively lays out why her family is leaving Boston for the Toneybee Institute. They are to teach sign language to Charlie, a chimpanzee as part of a research experiment being conducted by the Institute. A new car, living arrangement, and other finances are taken care of by the Institute. However, there is much more to the situation than meets the eye, as Charlotte and the readers soon find out.

Laurel told her daughters that they were special.
-- Narrator (Laurel)

Importance: This is a statement of irony. Laurel tells her children they are special, which is why they were selected to participate in the experiment with Charlie. At first, this seems simple. The family knows how to sign, and such a family is needed for...