Eric Portman
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Read the full text of this famous children's poem that warns against flattery and deception. Learn how a spider tricks a fly into his web and devours her in a gruesome ending.
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A poem by Mary Howitt about a spider who tricks a fly into its web with flattery and charm. Learn about the poem's history, text, adaptations, and cultural references.
- Mary Howitt
- 1987
- Stanza One
- Stanza Two
- Stanza Three
- Stanza Four
- Stanza Five
- Stanza Six
- Stanza Seven
The syntax of this piece is pretty straightforward. This is due in part to Howitt’s intention that this piece be read to or by children. Also, the majority of the lines are made up of dialogue. The two speakers are a spider whose ultimate goal is to attract a fly to its “parlor” and the fly who does her best to resist. In the first line, the spider...
The spider is not deterred. He immediately tries another tactic, telling the fly the “parlor” can be a place for her to rest. There is a “little bed” and “pretty curtains” in the room. If she goes there, the spider will be happy to “tuck” her in. In one context, these lines are caring and congenial; in another, they are foreboding and malicious. Th...
In the third stanza, the spider is starting to show his exasperation. He asks the fly, whom he calls “Dear friend,” what he can do for her. He says he has always felt a “warm affection” for her and that all he wants is to share the “good store” of his pantry. Again, there are two different ways these phrases could be taken. The fly might be interes...
The spider is still not giving up. He turns to compliment the fly on her “gauzy” or fine and transparent wings. He also calls the fly’s eyes “brilliant,” trying to get the best of her vanity. The spider offers the use of his “looking glass” or mirror. There, the fly would be able to admire herself more clearly. If she agrees, she will be pleased wi...
The spider takes the fly at her word and goes back into “his den.” It is here that he begins to weave his trap. There will be a web subtly hidden in the corner, and the table will be set, ready to dine on the visitor. The spider is very confident that all his attempts at luring the fly have finally been successful. In order to solidify his future m...
The speaker expresses her opinion on what happens next with the opening words, “Alas, alas!” Unfortunately, the fly does come back. She is “silly” and “little” and easily taken in by flattering words. The fly comes by “slowly” until she is finally near enough for the spider to jump up and grab her. She was distracted, thinking about her own beauty ...
The last four lines of the poem wrap up the moralmessage present in the text. The speaker addresses the “dear little children” who are reading or hearing the poem and tell them to pay no “heed” to flattering words. They are a powerful falsity used by “evil counselor[s].” One should instead learn from the “tale of the spider and the fly” and keep ba...
- Female
- October 9, 1995
- Poetry Analyst And Editor
Watch a video adaptation of the classic poem by Mary Howitt, illustrated by Tony Diterlizzi and read by Emilia Fox. The video shows the spider's seductive and sinister invitation to the fly, and the fly's tragic fate.
- 4 min
- 536.1K
- Mr McKendrick
A classic fable in verse form that warns against flattery and deception. The spider lures the fly into its parlour with promises of comfort and admiration, only to reveal its true intentions once the fly is trapped.
A classic poem about a spider who tries to trick a fly into his parlor and eat her. The fly refuses his offers and escapes his web, but the spider catches her later with flattering words.
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Nov 27, 2022 · Learn about the meaning and message of Mary Howitt's cautionary fable, The Spider and the Fly, a poem that uses humour and anthropomorphism to warn against temptation and danger. Explore the poem's structure, imagery, repetition and other poetic techniques with Englicist.
