The Spider And The Fly By Mary Howitt

Summary And Analysis 

Brief Synopsis

“The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt is a narrative poem that tells the story of a cunning spider who tries to lure a naïve fly into his web. The spider uses flattery and various enticements to persuade the fly to enter his parlor, promising comfort and admiration. 

Despite initial resistance, the fly is eventually swayed by the spider’s flattering words and meets her demise as she is captured and devoured. The poem concludes with a moral lesson, cautioning readers, especially children, against the dangers of falling for flattery and deceit.

Main Themes

The poem primarily explores themes of deception and flattery. The spider represents a manipulative figure who uses charm and deceit to achieve his ends, while the fly embodies innocence and gullibility. 

Another significant theme is the danger of vanity, as the fly’s downfall is precipitated by her susceptibility to flattery about her appearance. The moral of the story warns against heeding sweet words that conceal malicious intent, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and skepticism.

Structure and Form

Poetic Form

“The Spider and the Fly” is a narrative poem written in rhymed verse. It follows a consistent AABB rhyme scheme throughout, where each pair of lines rhymes. This structure lends a sing-song quality to the poem, which is characteristic of traditional cautionary tales.

Stanza and Line Structure

The poem consists of seven stanzas, each containing six lines. The lines vary in length but are generally short, enhancing the poem’s rhythmic flow and making it accessible for a younger audience. The repetitive nature of the spider’s invitations and the fly’s refusals creates a rhythmic pattern that underscores the poem’s didactic nature.

Analysis

Literary Devices

Metaphors and Similes

Howitt uses metaphor extensively, most notably with the characters themselves: the spider as a predator and the fly as prey. 

This metaphor extends to a broader commentary on human nature and social interactions. There is a lack of similes, but the straightforward comparisons serve to clearly delineate the roles of the characters.

Imagery

The poem is rich in imagery, particularly in descriptions of the spider’s parlor and the fly’s appearance. Phrases like “the prettiest little parlour” and “gauzy wings” create vivid pictures that contrast the sinister intentions behind the spider’s words with the seemingly benign setting.

Symbolism and Allegory

The spider symbolizes deceit and predatory cunning, while the fly represents innocence and vanity. The entire poem serves as an allegory for the pitfalls of succumbing to flattery and deceitful influences. 

The winding stair and dismal den symbolize the treacherous paths and inevitable doom awaiting those who fall for false promises.

Language and Diction

Choice of Words and Tone

Howitt employs a formal yet conversational tone, which suits the poem’s cautionary nature. The diction is accessible and straightforward, designed to resonate with children. Words like “cunning,” “flattering,” and “silly” reinforce the moral undertone of the poem.

Syntax and Sentence Structure

The poem uses simple and direct sentence structures, making it easy to follow and enhancing its effectiveness as a moral tale. 

The frequent use of dialogue adds a dynamic element to the narrative, engaging the reader and building suspense.

Rhythm and Meter

Analysis of Rhythm

The poem maintains a rhythmic and musical quality, thanks to its consistent meter and rhyme scheme. This rhythm creates a sense of inevitability, mirroring the fly’s gradual entrapment.

Meter Used

The poem predominantly uses iambic tetrameter, with each line typically containing eight syllables in a pattern of unstressed-stressed syllables. This meter gives the poem a rhythmic and flowing quality, making it both engaging and memorable.

Sound and Rhyme

Rhyme Schemes

The AABB rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s musicality and reinforces its cautionary message. The rhyme pairs lend a sense of completeness and closure to each invitation and refusal, setting up the inevitable conclusion.

Use of Sound Devices

Howitt employs alliteration and assonance to enhance the poem’s musicality. Examples include phrases like “pretty Fly” and “silver wing.” These sound devices add a lyrical quality that complements the poem’s storytelling style.

Interpretation

Poet’s Intent and Message

Mary Howitt’s intent with “The Spider and the Fly” is to impart a moral lesson about the dangers of vanity and the importance of skepticism towards flattery.

 The poem serves as a cautionary tale that warns readers against being misled by superficial charm and deceitful intentions. 

Howitt emphasizes that individuals must be wary of those who use sweet words to disguise their true, often harmful motives.

Insights into the Poet’s Perspective

Howitt’s perspective reflects a traditional moral viewpoint, common in Victorian literature, where stories were often used to teach ethical lessons. 

Her portrayal of the spider and the fly as archetypal figures underscores her belief in the importance of vigilance and discernment in the face of temptation and deceit.