Breakfast is being set for the Arable family by Mrs. Arable. Mr. Arable is on his way to “do away” (1) with the runt pig that was born the previous night. Fern, the Arable daughter, is upset to hear this, finding it unjust that it should die simply for being smaller. Her mother tries to explain that its chances of survival are low anyway, but Fern runs after her father and tries to grab the ax out of his hands. Her father gently tries to tell her that she needs to learn self-control. Fern sees no difference between herself and the pig, challenging her father by asking if he would have done the same to her had she been born small. Mr. Arable concedes to his daughter, aiming to prove her wrong through experience instead.

A few minutes later, he brings the pig to the house in a small box. He is tiny and white, and “the morning light shone through its ears, turning them pink” (4). Fern is immediately in love, and kisses both her parents in thanks. She hugs the pig tightly, and her brother, Avery, comes in for breakfast.