“The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt

“The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt first appeared in 1829 as part of her collection The Treasury of Knowledge. This cautionary fable is written in verse and tells the story of a cunning spider who attempts to lure a naive fly into his web through flattery and deceit. The poem is known for its moral qualities, warning readers about the dangers of falling prey to vanity and manipulation. The main idea revolves around the concept of trust and the consequences of placing it in those with ill intentions, making it a timeless lesson on the perils of flattery and blind trust.

Text: “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 shew 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, 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 him 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, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue–
Thinking only of her crested head–poor foolish thing! At last,
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 counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

Annotations: “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt

Stanza	Text	Annotation
Stanza 1	“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly…	The Spider begins by using flattery and offers of beautiful things to lure the Fly into his web. The Fly, however, wisely refuses, suspecting danger.
Stanza 2	“I’m sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high…”	The Spider shifts tactics, offering comfort to the Fly by suggesting she rest. The Fly rejects this, knowing that those who rest in the Spider’s bed never wake up.
Stanza 3	“Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, ‘Dear friend what can I do…'”	The Spider appeals to the Fly’s sense of friendship and offers food, but the Fly remains cautious and refuses the Spider’s offer.
Stanza 4	“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “kind sir, that cannot be…”	The Fly explicitly refuses the offer of food, showing she is aware of the dangers lurking inside the Spider’s pantry.
Stanza 5	“Sweet creature!” said the Spider, “you’re witty and you’re wise…”	The Spider flatters the Fly’s appearance and intelligence, trying to manipulate her ego and lower her defenses.
Stanza 6	“The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den…”	Confident in his strategy, the Spider prepares for the Fly’s return, knowing she is likely to fall for his flattery.
Stanza 7	“Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing…”	The Spider continues to flatter the Fly, singing about her beauty and appealing to her vanity with poetic descriptions.
Stanza 8	“Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly…”	The Fly begins to give in to the Spider’s words, slowly falling for his flattery and forgetting her earlier caution.
Stanza 9	“With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew…”	The Fly, drawn by vanity, approaches the Spider’s web, ignoring the warnings she once heeded, focusing only on her appearance.
Stanza 10	“He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den…”	The Spider captures the Fly and drags her into his web, where she meets her demise, proving the success of the Spider’s cunning manipulation.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt

Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.	“Will you walk into my parlour?”	The repetition of the ‘w’ sound in “Will” and “walk” creates a musical effect and draws attention.
Anaphora	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of clauses.	“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly…	The repetition of “Oh no, no” emphasizes the Fly’s refusal and heightens tension.
Assonance	Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.	“How handsome are your gauzy wings…”	The long ‘a’ sound in “handsome” and “gauzy” adds a melodic quality to the description.
End Rhyme	Rhyme at the end of two or more lines of poetry.	“For who goes up your winding stair / can ne’er come down again.”	The rhyming of “stair” and “again” creates a traditional rhyme scheme and enhances the rhythm.
Foreshadowing	Hinting at events that will occur later in the story.	“For who goes up your winding stair / Can ne’er come down again.”	The Fly’s statement hints at her eventual fate of never returning from the Spider’s web.
Imagery	Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.	“Your robes are green and purple–there’s a crest upon your head…”	Vivid visual imagery that describes the Fly’s appearance, making the scene more vivid for the reader.
Irony	A contrast between expectation and reality.	The Spider calls the Fly “wise,” yet she is deceived.	The Fly is called “wise” by the Spider, but in reality, she is tricked, highlighting the irony of the situation.
Metaphor	A direct comparison between two things without using “like” or “as.”	“He wove a subtle web…”	The web is a metaphor for the Spider’s manipulation and deceit.
Personification	Giving human characteristics to non-human things.	“The cunning Spider”	The Spider is given human traits such as cunning, which enhances his manipulative character.
Repetition	Repeated use of words or phrases for effect.	“Come hither, hither, pretty Fly…”	The repeated call to “Come hither” emphasizes the Spider’s persistence and seductive nature.
Rhyme Scheme	The pattern of rhymes in a poem.	AABBCC (in many stanzas)	The poem uses a consistent rhyme scheme that gives it a rhythmic and melodic flow.
Symbolism	Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities.	The Spider represents deceit and manipulation.	The Spider is symbolic of predators or manipulators, while the Fly represents innocence and vanity.
Tone	The attitude of the speaker or writer toward the subject.	Playful and sinister	The tone shifts from playful flattery to a sinister climax as the Spider’s true intentions are revealed.
Theme	The underlying message or central idea of a work.	Deception, vanity, and trust.	The poem explores the themes of how vanity and trust can lead to one’s downfall.

Themes: “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt

1. Deception and Manipulation: The theme of deception runs throughout the poem, as the Spider uses trickery to manipulate the Fly. From the very beginning, the Spider tries to lure the Fly into his web with false promises, such as when he says, “Will you walk into my parlour? ‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy.” His words are carefully crafted to sound inviting, but they mask his true intentions of trapping and consuming the Fly. This illustrates how appearances can be deceiving, and the poem warns readers to be wary of smooth-talking manipulators.
2. Vanity and Flattery: The Fly’s eventual downfall is caused by her vanity, as she is swayed by the Spider’s flattering words. The Spider compliments her beauty, saying, “How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!” At first, the Fly resists his advances, but as the compliments become more lavish, she is gradually enticed. This shows the danger of allowing vanity and pride to cloud one’s judgment, as the Fly forgets the risks and is lured into a trap because of her desire to hear more praise.
3. Trust and Betrayal: Another central theme is the importance of trust and the consequences of misplaced trust. The Fly is wary at first, recognizing the dangers of trusting the Spider: “For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.” However, despite her initial caution, she eventually allows herself to be deceived by his false friendship and flattery. The poem emphasizes how trust, when given to the wrong people, can lead to betrayal and harm, as the Fly meets a tragic end when she trusts the Spider’s deceptive words.
4. The Consequences of Ignoring Warnings: The Fly is repeatedly warned, both through her own instincts and through common knowledge, about the dangers of interacting with the Spider. She says, “I’ve often heard it said, they never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!” This serves as a metaphor for the importance of heeding warnings in life, whether they come from personal experience, advice from others, or common sense. However, despite these warnings, the Fly eventually ignores them and succumbs to the Spider’s manipulative tactics, illustrating the dire consequences of ignoring danger signs.

Literary Theories and “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt

Literary Theory	Explanation	Application to “The Spider and the Fly”	References from the Poem
Psychoanalytic Theory	Psychoanalytic theory, based on the ideas of Freud, explores how unconscious desires and conflicts shape characters’ actions. It examines the motivations behind characters’ behavior, focusing on manipulation, temptation, and self-deception.	The Spider represents the manipulative “id,” driven by base desires like hunger and self-gratification. The Fly’s actions, especially her initial hesitation and eventual succumbing to flattery, could be seen as a conflict between her “ego” (rational mind) and “id” (desire for validation). The Spider exploits the Fly’s unconscious desire for admiration.	The Spider says, “Sweet creature! said the Spider, you’re witty and you’re wise,” appealing to the Fly’s ego, which ultimately leads to her downfall.
Feminist Literary Theory	Feminist theory examines how gender roles, power dynamics, and patriarchal structures influence literature. It often focuses on how women are portrayed, manipulated, or oppressed in texts.	The Spider can be viewed as a figure of patriarchal control, using flattery and manipulation to trap the Fly, who represents the vulnerable female figure. The poem reflects the dangers women face from manipulative men who exploit their vanity and trust.	The Spider’s constant use of flattery, such as, “How handsome are your gauzy wings,” can be seen as a critique of how women are often reduced to their appearance and ensnared by false compliments.
Moral Criticism	Moral criticism evaluates a text based on its ethical lessons or values. It asks what moral or ethical message the work conveys to its audience.	The poem serves as a moral fable, warning readers, particularly children, about the dangers of falling for flattery and manipulation. The Fly’s demise illustrates the ethical lesson that vanity and gullibility can lead to one’s downfall.	The closing lines, “Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye, And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly,” directly address the reader, imparting a moral lesson about the dangers of flattery.

Critical Questions about “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt

• What role does vanity play in the Fly’s downfall, and how is this relevant to human behavior?
• Vanity is central to the Fly’s eventual demise, as it blinds her to the dangers posed by the Spider. Throughout the poem, the Fly initially rejects the Spider’s offers, showing caution and intelligence. However, once the Spider begins to flatter her appearance, calling her “witty” and “wise” and admiring her “gauzy wings” and “brilliant eyes,” the Fly’s resolve weakens. Her focus shifts from self-preservation to indulging in the Spider’s compliments. This reflects a common human tendency to be vulnerable to flattery, as it plays on one’s desire for validation, often leading people to make poor decisions when their ego is being stroked.
• How does the Spider’s use of manipulation mirror real-world predators, and what lesson can readers draw from this?
• The Spider in the poem symbolizes manipulative figures in real life who use deceit and flattery to prey on others. His cunning nature is evident when he repeatedly tries different strategies to entice the Fly into his web, from offering her food and rest to complimenting her beauty. His persistence and ability to change tactics represent the dangerous adaptability of real-world predators who exploit trust and vanity. The moral of the poem, especially the line, “Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,” serves as a warning to readers to be cautious of those who use manipulation to achieve selfish ends, teaching the importance of critical thinking and self-awareness.
• How does the poem explore the theme of trust and betrayal, and what does it reveal about human relationships?
• The poem delves into the theme of trust and betrayal, illustrating how misplaced trust can lead to tragic consequences. The Fly, despite her initial wariness, ultimately falls victim to the Spider’s false assurances of friendship and hospitality. The Spider’s line, “Dear friend what can I do, to prove the warm affection I’ve always felt for you?” pretends to offer care and friendship, but it is a manipulative tactic. This dynamic mirrors human relationships where trust is sometimes exploited for personal gain, revealing the complexity of trust and the potential for betrayal when it is placed in unworthy individuals.
• What does the poem suggest about the consequences of ignoring warnings, and how is this relevant to decision-making in life?
• The Fly’s downfall is a direct result of her ignoring multiple warnings, both from her own instincts and from societal knowledge. Early in the poem, she acknowledges the danger of the Spider’s web, stating, “For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.” Despite this awareness, she allows the Spider’s repeated flattery to cloud her judgment, eventually ignoring the earlier caution and walking into the trap. This speaks to the broader theme of how ignoring red flags or disregarding warnings in life can lead to negative outcomes. The poem serves as a reminder to heed warnings and trust one’s instincts when faced with potentially harmful situations.

Literary Works Similar to “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt

1. “The Lamb” by William Blake
   Similar in its use of simplicity and moral instruction, “The Lamb” conveys a clear moral message aimed at children, much like Howitt’s fable.
2. “Goblin Market” by Christina Rossetti
   This poem shares the theme of temptation and manipulation, as the goblins try to seduce the sisters with enticing fruit, mirroring the Spider’s efforts to lure the Fly.
3. “La Belle Dame sans Merci” by John Keats
   In this poem, a knight is entranced and deceived by a beautiful but dangerous woman, akin to the Fly being lured into the Spider’s web through flattery and deceit.
4. “The Frog and the Nightingale” by Vikram Seth
   This modern fable in verse form echoes Howitt’s themes of exploitation and manipulation, where a frog manipulates the nightingale to his advantage, leading to her demise.
5. “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” by Robert Browning
   Browning’s narrative poem involves a character who uses manipulation and deception to lead the children of Hamelin away, similar to the Spider’s manipulation of the Fly.

Representative Quotations of “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly, / “‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy.”	The Spider begins to lure the Fly with an enticing invitation.	Psychoanalytic Theory – The Spider plays on the Fly’s curiosity and unconscious desires, tempting her with beauty and comfort.
“The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, / And I have many curious things to shew when you are there.”	The Spider tries to pique the Fly’s curiosity by offering to show her hidden wonders.	Structuralism – The Spider uses language to construct a narrative that hides the deadly reality of his intentions, manipulating perception.
“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.”	The Fly resists the Spider’s invitation, expressing awareness of the dangers.	Moral Criticism – This refusal embodies the moral lesson, showing the value of caution and the importance of resisting manipulation.
“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!”	The Spider changes tactics, offering comfort and rest to lure the Fly.	Feminist Theory – The Spider’s false offer of care mirrors how manipulators may exploit women’s vulnerability, representing patriarchal control.
“Sweet creature!” said the Spider, “you’re witty and you’re wise, / How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!”	The Spider flatters the Fly’s appearance and intelligence, appealing to her vanity.	Psychoanalytic Theory – The Spider manipulates the Fly’s ego by feeding her desire for validation, targeting unconscious needs.
“For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again.”	The Spider confidently prepares, knowing that the Fly will return because of his flattery.	Feminist Theory – The portrayal of the Fly as “silly” reflects stereotypes of women as easily deceived, critiquing gender dynamics.
“Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing; / Your robes are green and purple – there’s a crest upon your head.”	The Spider continues to lavish the Fly with compliments about her physical appearance.	Marxist Criticism – The Spider’s focus on material wealth and appearance reflects societal values that emphasize status and vanity.
“Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue— / Thinking only of her crested head—poor foolish thing!”	The Fly, now captivated by her vanity, approaches the Spider’s web, disregarding earlier caution.	Psychoanalytic Theory – The Fly’s desire for validation overrides her rational mind, symbolizing unconscious conflict between ego and id.
“He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den, / Within his little parlour—but she ne’er came out again!”	The Spider captures the Fly and takes her to his web, leading to her demise.	Moral Criticism – The Fly’s fate serves as a moral lesson about the consequences of trusting manipulators and succumbing to vanity.
“Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye, / And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.”	The narrator addresses the reader directly, delivering the moral message of the poem.	Moral Criticism – The poem concludes with an explicit ethical warning, teaching the dangers of flattery and deceit, especially for young readers.

Suggested Readings: “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt

1. Earhart, Will. Music Supervisors’ Journal, vol. 13, no. 1, 1926, pp. 64–64. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3383723. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.
2. Woodring, Carl R. The Journal of English and Germanic Philology, vol. 55, no. 3, 1956, pp. 514–16. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27706816. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.
3. HUGHES, LINDA K. “Mary Howitt and the Business of Poetry.” Victorian Periodicals Review, vol. 50, no. 2, 2017, pp. 273–94. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/48559811. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.
4. Leblanc, Ronald D. “Trapped in a Spider’s Web of Animal Lust: Human Bestiality in Lev Gumilevsky’s Dog Alley.” The Russian Review, vol. 65, no. 2, 2006, pp. 171–93. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3664396. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.