The Spider and the Fly
By Mary Howitt
“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly,
“‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy, The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And I have many curious things to show when you are there.”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “to ask me is in vain, For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.”“I’m sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high; Will you rest upon my little bed?” said the Spider to the Fly.
“There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin, And if you like to rest awhile, I’ll snugly tuck you in!”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “for I’ve often heard it said, They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!”Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, “Dear friend what can I do, To prove the warm affection I’ve always felt for you?
I have within my pantry a good store of all that’s nice; I’m sure you’re very welcome–will you please to take a slice?”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “kind sir, that cannot be, I’ve heard what’s in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!”“Sweet creature!” said the Spider, “you’re witty and you’re wise, How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I’ve a little looking‑glass upon my parlour shelf, If you’ll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself.”
“I thank you, gentle sir,” she said, “for what you’re pleased to say, And bidding you good morning now, I’ll call another day.”The Spider turned the fly round about, and went into his den, For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly, And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing, “Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing, Your robes are green and purple, there’s a crest upon your head, Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!”Alas, how very soon this silly little Fly, Hearing his wily, flattering words, the fly came slowly flitting by, Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue, thinking only of her crested head, poor foolish thing!
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast. He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den, Within his little parlour, but she ne’er came out again!And now dear little children, who may this story read, To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne’er give heed, Unto an evil counselor, close heart and ear and eye, And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.
Unraveling “The Spider and the Fly”: A Timeless Cautionary Tale
Mary Howitt’s enduring poem, “The Spider and the Fly,” first published in 1829, continues to captivate and instruct readers with its compelling narrative and profound moral lesson. This classic piece of literature masterfully illustrates the dangers of deception and the power of flattery, making it a vital text for understanding human nature and persuasive language.
The Spider and the Fly Summary: A Narrative of Deception
The poem unfolds as a series of exchanges between a cunning Spider and a naive Fly. The Spider, a master of manipulation, repeatedly attempts to lure the Fly into his “parlour,” which is, in reality, his deadly web. He employs various persuasive tactics, including:
- Offering hospitality: Inviting the Fly to rest or see his home.
- Feigned affection: Expressing “warm affection” and friendship.
- Temptation with food: Mentioning a “good store of all that’s nice” in his pantry.
- Blatant flattery: Praising the Fly’s beauty, wit, and wisdom.
Initially, the Fly resists these invitations, demonstrating an awareness of the Spider’s sinister reputation. She wisely states, “For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.” However, the Spider’s persistent and increasingly elaborate compliments eventually wear down her defenses. Seduced by the praise of her “gauzy wings,” “brilliant eyes,” and “green and purple hue,” the “silly little Fly” succumbs to vanity. She approaches the Spider’s den, only to be swiftly captured, dragged into his “dismal den,” and never seen again. The poem concludes with a direct moral address to the reader, urging caution against “idle, silly flattering words” and “evil counselors.”
Central Idea and Noteworthy Knowledge
The central idea of “The Spider and the Fly” is a powerful warning against the perils of vanity and the deceptive nature of flattery. It teaches the importance of critical thinking and discernment when faced with overly sweet words or suspicious offers. The poem highlights how even initial resistance can be overcome by persistent manipulation that targets one’s weaknesses. It serves as a timeless reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and true intentions often lie hidden beneath a veneer of charm.
In-Depth Analysis: Literary Devices in The Spider and the Fly
Mary Howitt skillfully weaves a rich tapestry of literary devices to enhance the poem’s impact and convey its profound message. Understanding these techniques deepens appreciation for the poem’s artistry.
Dialogue
The poem is predominantly structured as a dialogue, creating an immediate and engaging interaction between the two main characters. This direct conversation allows the reader to witness the Spider’s manipulative tactics firsthand and the Fly’s gradual weakening resistance. For example, the repeated invitations from the Spider, such as “Will you walk into my parlour?” and the Fly’s initial firm rejections, “Oh no, no,” build dramatic tension and reveal character through their spoken words.
Imagery
Howitt employs vivid imagery to paint clear pictures in the reader’s mind, making the setting and characters come alive. The Spider’s descriptions of his home are designed to be enticing: “‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy.” Later, the true nature of his lair is revealed through phrases like “dismal den,” contrasting sharply with the earlier deceptive allure. The Fly’s beauty is also depicted with striking imagery: “How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!” These sensory details contribute to the poem’s atmosphere and emotional resonance.
Personification
Both the Spider and the Fly are given human characteristics and the ability to speak, think, and strategize. This personification is central to the poem’s allegorical nature, allowing complex human behaviors like cunning, vanity, and deception to be explored through animal characters. The Spider “said” and “sang,” while the Fly “said” and “thought,” enabling their interaction to carry a moral weight that resonates with human experience.
Repetition
The strategic use of repetition emphasizes key ideas and highlights the progression of the narrative. The Fly’s repeated phrase, “Oh no, no,” initially underscores her caution and awareness of danger. However, the Spider’s repeated invitations and flattery eventually wear down this resistance. The Spider’s final, triumphant “Come hither, hither, pretty Fly” echoes his earlier pleas, now imbued with a sinister finality, marking the Fly’s tragic surrender.
Symbolism
The characters themselves function as powerful symbols. The Spider symbolizes deception, cunning, and evil, representing those who use charm and flattery to ensnare the innocent. The Fly, on the other hand, symbolizes innocence, vulnerability, and the susceptibility to vanity. The “parlour” or “winding stair” symbolizes temptation and the path to danger, while the “web” represents the trap set by the deceiver. This symbolic depth allows the poem’s message to transcend its simple narrative.
Irony
The poem is rich with dramatic irony, where the reader is aware of the Spider’s true intentions, while the Fly remains oblivious until it is too late. The Spider’s declarations of “warm affection” and calling the Fly “Dear friend” are deeply ironic, given his predatory plans. The Fly’s eventual downfall, after initially demonstrating wisdom, also presents a tragic irony, as her one weakness, vanity, ultimately leads to her demise.
Foreshadowing
Howitt employs clear foreshadowing to hint at the Fly’s grim fate. Early in the poem, the Fly herself states, “For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again,” directly predicting her own end. The Spider’s actions, such as weaving “a subtle web” and setting “his table ready, to dine upon the Fly,” explicitly foreshadow the impending tragedy, building suspense for the reader.
Mastering the Melody: Poetic Devices in The Spider and the Fly
Beyond its literary depth, “The Spider and the Fly” is a masterclass in poetic craftsmanship, employing various devices that contribute to its memorable rhythm and engaging sound.
Rhyme Scheme
The poem primarily follows a consistent AABB rhyme scheme. This simple and predictable pattern, exemplified by lines like “said the Spider to the Fly / that ever you did spy” or “so high / to the Fly,” creates a musical quality that makes the poem easy to read, remember, and recite. This regular rhyme contributes to its accessibility and enduring appeal.
Rhythm and Meter
The poem maintains a regular rhythm and meter, often employing an anapestic tetrameter (two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable, repeated four times per line). This creates a light, lilting, and almost song-like quality, which paradoxically contrasts with the dark subject matter. The steady beat, as in “Will you WALK into my PARlour?” draws the reader in, making the Spider’s words seem more inviting and the Fly’s eventual fate more poignant.
Stanza Structure
The poem is divided into distinct stanzas, each typically comprising six lines. This clear stanzaic organization helps to break the narrative into manageable segments, often representing a complete exchange or a shift in the Spider’s persuasive tactics. This structure aids readability and allows the reader to follow the back-and-forth dialogue and the progression of the plot with ease.
Diction
Howitt’s choice of words, or diction, is deliberate and effective. The Spider uses words designed to flatter and entice, such as “prettiest,” “dear,” “sweet creature,” “witty,” and “wise.” In contrast, the Fly’s initial responses use cautious language, like “in vain” and “cannot be.” The final stanza employs didactic language, such as “I pray you ne’er give heed” and “take a lesson,” to deliver the moral directly. This careful selection of vocabulary shapes the tone and reinforces characterization.
Alliteration
Alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, adds a musicality and emphasis to certain phrases. Examples include “subtle web” and “corner sly,” which subtly enhance the description of the Spider’s cunning. The phrase “fine and thin” describing the bed sheets also uses alliteration to create a pleasing sound while describing the deceptive comfort offered by the Spider.
Digging Deeper: Key Lines and Their Significance
Examining specific lines from “The Spider and the Fly” reveals the intricate layers of meaning and the masterful application of poetic and literary techniques.
“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly,
“‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy,”
These opening lines immediately establish the central conflict and the Spider’s primary tactic: deception through false hospitality. The use of the superlative “prettiest” is a calculated piece of flattery, designed to appeal to the Fly’s curiosity and desire for beauty. This invitation, seemingly innocent, is the beginning of the trap, showcasing the Spider’s cunning and the poem’s theme of hidden danger.
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “to ask me is in vain, For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.”
This response from the Fly is crucial, demonstrating her initial wisdom and awareness of the Spider’s reputation. The repetition of “Oh no, no” emphasizes her firm refusal. Her understanding that “who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again” serves as a clear piece of foreshadowing, directly stating the consequence of succumbing to the Spider’s invitations. It highlights the Fly’s initial discernment before vanity clouds her judgment.
“Your robes are green and purple, there’s a crest upon your head,
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!”
This stanza is a prime example of the Spider’s most effective weapon: flattery. He meticulously praises the Fly’s physical attributes, using vivid imagery like “green and purple” robes and “diamond bright” eyes. The Spider’s self-deprecating comparison, “but mine are dull as lead!”, is a manipulative ploy to make his praise seem more sincere and to elevate the Fly’s self-importance, directly targeting her vanity. This is the turning point where the Fly’s resistance begins to crumble.
Alas, how very soon this silly little Fly, Hearing his wily, flattering words, the fly came slowly flitting by, Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue, thinking only of her crested head, poor foolish thing!
This poignant moment describes the Fly’s downfall. The exclamation “Alas” conveys the tragedy, while the description of her “silly” and “poor foolish thing” nature underscores the consequences of vanity. The repetition of “thinking only of her brilliant eyes” and “green and purple hue” emphasizes how the Spider’s flattery has consumed her thoughts, blinding her to the danger. This passage vividly illustrates the poem’s central theme: the destructive power of unchecked pride.
And now dear little children, who may this story read, To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne’er give heed, Unto an evil counselor, close heart and ear and eye, And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.
The poem concludes with a direct, didactic address to the reader. This moralizing stanza explicitly states the poem’s purpose as a cautionary tale. It urges vigilance against “idle, silly flattering words” and “evil counselor[s],” advising readers to “close heart and ear and eye” to such dangers. This clear articulation of the lesson ensures that the poem’s timeless message about discernment and resisting manipulation is unequivocally understood.
The Enduring Wisdom of “The Spider and the Fly”
Mary Howitt’s “The Spider and the Fly” stands as a powerful and enduring piece of literature, offering far more than a simple narrative. Through its masterful use of dialogue, vivid imagery, personification, and a host of other literary and poetic devices, the poem crafts a compelling story that resonates deeply. It serves as an essential guide to understanding the subtle art of persuasion and the critical importance of wisdom over vanity. The lessons embedded within this classic tale remain as relevant today as they were in the nineteenth century, reminding all readers to approach the world with discernment and a healthy skepticism towards overly sweet words.