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.
Summary of The Spider and the Fly
- A Timeless Tale: Mary Howitt’s “The Spider and the Fly” is a beloved poem known for its engaging dialogue and subtle danger. First published in 1829, it continues to resonate with readers of all ages.
- The Narrative Unfolds: The poem presents a conversation between a cunning Spider and a naive Fly. The Spider repeatedly invites the Fly into his home, using flattery and appealing to her vanity. Despite initial resistance, the Fly eventually succumbs to the Spider’s charms and meets a tragic end.
- Central Themes: The poem explores key themes, notably the dangers of flattery, the importance of resisting temptation, and the need for discernment. It serves as a cautionary tale against trusting those who offer insincere praise or suspect motives.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in The Spider and the Fly
Mary Howitt skillfully employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the poem’s meaning and impact. Let’s examine some of the key techniques used.
- Dialogue: The poem is almost entirely presented as a conversation between the Spider and the Fly. This creates a sense of immediacy and allows the reader to witness the Spider’s manipulative tactics firsthand. Consider this exchange: “Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly and the Fly’s repeated responses of “Oh no, no.”
- Imagery: Howitt uses vivid imagery to create a strong visual picture. Phrases like “pretty little parlour,” “winding stair,” and “dismal den” evoke a clear sense of setting and atmosphere.
- Personification: Both the Spider and the Fly are given human characteristics, allowing them to engage in conversation and express intentions. This personification adds a layer of complexity to the characters and their interaction.
- Repetition: The repeated use of phrases like “Oh no, no” emphasizes the Fly’s initial reluctance and highlights the Spider’s persistent attempts to persuade her.
- Symbolism: The Spider and the Fly can be interpreted as symbols representing different forces—the Spider as a predator or deceiver, and the Fly as innocence or vulnerability.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in The Spider and the Fly
Beyond literary devices, Howitt masterfully uses poetic techniques to create a musical and engaging reading experience.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme, primarily AABB, which contributes to its rhythm and memorability. This simple rhyme scheme makes the poem accessible to young readers.
- Rhythm & Meter: The poem has a regular rhythm and meter, creating a sense of flow and predictability. This musicality adds to the poem’s charm and makes it pleasing to the ear.
- Stanza Structure: The poem is divided into distinct stanzas, each containing a portion of the dialogue or narrative. This organization helps to break up the text and make it easier to follow.
- Diction: Howitt’s choice of words is deliberate and contributes to the poem’s overall tone and effect. She uses formal language and descriptive imagery to create a vivid and memorable reading experience.
Digging Deeper: Key Lines and Their Significance
Let’s examine a few key lines to further illustrate the poem’s themes and techniques.
“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly, “‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy,”
This opening line establishes the central conflict and highlights the Spider’s manipulative tactics. The flattery is immediate and calculated, intended to lure the Fly into a dangerous situation. Note the use of superlative language (“prettiest”) to enhance the appeal.
“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 demonstrates the Fly’s initial awareness of the danger. She understands the consequences of accepting the Spider’s invitation, yet the Spider continues his persistent attempts at persuasion.
“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 line is a prime example of the Spider’s flattery. He appeals to the Fly’s vanity by praising her appearance and subtly diminishing himself. This tactic is designed to make the Fly feel special and more likely to accept his invitation.
“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 address to the reader, explicitly stating the moral of the story. This didactic ending reinforces the importance of discernment and resisting the allure of flattery.
“The Spider and the Fly” remains a powerful and relevant poem, offering a timeless lesson about the dangers of deception and the importance of critical thinking. By examining the literary and poetic devices used by Mary Howitt, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and enduring message of this beloved tale.