Discussion of the Literary Text

A hundred eighty eight years ago, a fable in verse form was published that was written by
an English author Mary Botham Howitt. A poem that tells us a tale about a predator-prey
relationship titled “The Spider and The Fly”. This poem presents a predominant tone of flattery
and deception that tells us a story of a cunning spider who successfully trapped a foolish fly
through using different alluring strategies to entice the fly into his home.
The only characters in this poem are the spider and the fly: the spider represents evil and
the fly represents innocence.
Stanza 1
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.”
“O 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.”

The luring of the spider begins as the first line of the first stanza is being read – an invitation
which can only bring the fly into her demise. In the second to the third line the cunning spider
entices the fly of what he has in his home - a mysterious place with so many wonderful things. The
second line also tells that the fly is vaguely curious of what is inside the spider’s parlour as well
as the spider is trying to send a message that he considers the fly to be one of his friends. But the
fly cautiously refuses to the spider which tells us that the fly has been secretly spying in the parlour.
She told the spider that his invitation is useless because she’s clearly aware of what’s happening
to those who go up through the ‘winding stair’ into his home.
Stanza 2
“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.”
“O no, no,” said the little fly, “for I’ve often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed.”
The second stanza gives us the spider’s second strategy – to feign concern. The spider
imposes sympathy to the fly asking her to rest in his crib for the spider knows how intensely
tiring the flying can be. The spider’s pretentious act goes so far by adding more tempting offer to
the fly – a cozy little bed with light sheets to lean on and an ambiance that would surely ensure a
comfortable zone. However the fly strongly refuses to the spider’s offer again. Perhaps the spider
tried too hard when he proposed to snugly tuck her in. And the fly surely had heard the rumours
that those who slept on his bed are now dead.
Stanza 3
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 good store of all that’s nice;
I’m sure you’re very welcome; will you please to take a slice?”
“O 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.”
The spider’s perseverance is being serve in the third stanza – a guilty remarks as his third
tactic. He gave an act of remorse to the fly for not accepting the so many gestures of friendship.
He’s now eagerly desperate to get the fly’s trust as he invitingly arouses the fly of the nice things
he has on his pantry. Then again, the fly didn’t fall on his trap and replied to the spider’s kindness
and politeness in the same amount. She firmly turn down the invitation again and tactfully alludes
that she already knows what is in his pantry and not interested to knowing more.
Stanza 4
“Sweet creature!” said the spider, “You’re witty and you’re wise!
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I have 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.”
With his fourth strategy in the fourth stanza and vanity as another of his weapon – he
continues to get the fly’s trust and manipulate her with his flattery lines. In full admiration with
his not so purest heart he praises the fly’s intelligence and loveliness. The spider acknowledges
how lovely the fly is as if the fly does not realize her own beauty so he can throw again another
devilish invitation to the fly asking her to look herself in his mirror for one moment that would
change both of their lives. The fly refuses again for one last time that gives us a sense of change
of tone. In her refusal we can feel in her tone that she doesn’t expresses strong disagreeing
anymore. Although she hasn’t accepted any of the spider’s invites and an outright ‘no’ that she
used earlier. We could still consider it as an act of stalling.

Theme and Lesson

The theme of the ‘The Spider and the Fly’ centers in trust issue – it serves as a caution
against trusting those mischievous manipulation who flatters others through their self-pride.

The lesson is not everyone who uses sweet words and acts friendly is a friend.

“Know thyself in order to not give in to flattery easily”