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" The Spider and the Fly " is a poem by Mary Howitt (1799–1888), published in 1829. The first line of the poem is "'Will you walk into my parlour?' said the Spider to the Fly." The story tells of a cunning spider who entraps a fly into its web through the use of seduction and manipulation.
- 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
"The Spider and the Fly" is a poem by Mary Howitt (1799-1888), published in 1828. The story tells of a cunning Spider who ensnares a Fly through the use of seduction and flattery. The poem teaches children to be wary against those who use flattery and charm to disguise their true evil intentions.
- (1.2K)
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've a many curious things to shew when you are there." Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
“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 you when you are there.” “Oh no, no,” said the Fly, “to ask me is in vain; For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come ...
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've a 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."
Will You Walk Into My Parlor? ~ A Classic English Poem by Mary Howitt. “Will you walk into my parlor?” said the spider to the fly; “‘Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you may spy.
