About the Lesson
The Spider and the Fly" is a cautionary poem written by English poet Mary Howitt, first published in 1829. This fable-like poem tells the story of a cunning spider who uses flattery and deception to lure an innocent fly into his web, only to ultimately devour her. Through its engaging narrative, the poem explores themes of manipulation, vanity, and the dangers of giving in to flattery. With its rhythmic verses and rich use of imagery, "The Spider and the Fly" conveys a timeless moral lesson about the perils of being swayed by sweet but insincere words. The poem's simple yet profound message is a warning against trusting those who seek to take advantage through false praise, making it both entertaining and educational for readers of all ages.
Text/Analysis/ Summary/ Theme
The Spider and the Fly (A Fable) 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 pretty things to show when you are there.'
'O no, no,' said the little fly, 'to ask me in is 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 a while, 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.'
Said the cunning spider to the fly, 'Dear friend, what shall I do,
To prove the warm affection I've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, a 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.'
'Sweet creaturel' 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.'
The spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly fly would soon be 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.
Critical Analysis of "The Spider and the Fly" by Mary Howitt
Theme: The Dangers of Flattery and Deception Mary Howitt’s poem, The Spider and the Fly, is a cautionary tale about the destructive power of flattery and deceit. It revolves around the spider, who cunningly uses false praise and temptations to ensnare the fly. The overarching theme is the danger of succumbing to manipulative words, as they can lead to one’s downfall. Howitt uses the simple interaction between the spider and the fly to symbolize how people, especially children, can be misled by flattering words and manipulative individuals.
Structure and Form: The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which lends it a sing-song, fable-like quality. This structure is typical of children's literature, making the poem accessible and engaging for younger readers. The simplicity of the rhyme scheme also serves to underscore the straightforward moral message of the poem: be wary of flattering words that hide dangerous motives. The repetitive structure of the spider's temptations and the fly's refusals creates a sense of inevitability and suspense as the reader waits to see whether the fly will eventually fall into the trap.
Characters and Symbolism: The spider and the fly represent two types of individuals found in society. The spider symbolizes cunning, deceit, and manipulation, while the fly represents innocence and gullibility. The spider uses increasingly persuasive tactics—offering comfort, food, and praise—until the fly finally gives in, demonstrating how easily one can be ensnared by empty flattery when it appeals to vanity and pride.
The Spider as Manipulator: The spider is the central figure of manipulation in the poem. His offers range from hospitality ("Will you rest upon my little bed?") to vanity ("How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!"). His cunning nature is revealed in how he carefully adjusts his strategy, using warmth and charm to persuade the fly. The spider’s smooth talk, however, is a mask for his deadly intentions, symbolizing how predators in life can hide behind pleasant appearances to manipulate others.
The Fly as Victim: The fly, in contrast, starts off wary and cautious, recognizing the dangers in the spider’s offers. However, her downfall comes from her susceptibility to flattery about her physical appearance. This demonstrates how vanity can blind individuals to real danger, a common flaw that Howitt highlights. The poem uses the fly’s tragic fate as a lesson to readers about the perils of trusting superficial praise.
Flattery and Vanity as Key Motifs: The poem’s central message revolves around the motifs of flattery and vanity. Each time the spider flatters the fly, he appeals to her vanity, making her think more about her physical beauty than the danger she faces. This reveals an important moral: vanity can cloud judgment, making people susceptible to exploitation. The spider's empty compliments about the fly’s eyes and wings work because they play on her desire to be admired. In the end, her focus on these trivial aspects of her appearance leads her into the spider’s web, much like how people in real life can be led into harmful situations when they allow flattery to blind them.
Moral Message: The moral of the poem is explicitly stated in the final stanza, where Howitt warns readers to guard themselves against "idle, silly, flattering words." This direct message reinforces the fable-like nature of the poem, ensuring that young readers understand the dangers of listening to insincere compliments and manipulation. The poem teaches that one should be skeptical of excessive praise, especially when it is given by those with hidden motives.
Tone and Atmosphere: The tone of the poem starts playfully but gradually shifts to a darker and more sinister mood. The spider's persuasive language is light and sweet, masking his deadly intent. The tension builds as the reader becomes aware of the spider's true nature and wonders whether the fly will succumb. The shift in tone from light-hearted flattery to dark betrayal is a key feature of the poem, making it a fable with a memorable lesson.
Use of Language: Howitt uses simple yet evocative language to depict the interaction between the spider and the fly. Words like "winding stair" and "dismal den" create a foreboding atmosphere around the spider’s home, which contrasts with his charming and flattering words. The repetition of phrases like "O no, no" by the fly shows her initial reluctance and highlights the persistence of the spider. The spider’s praise of the fly’s "gauzy wings" and "brilliant eyes" serves as a metaphor for the superficial praise often used to deceive.
Similes and Metaphors:
Similes: The spider compares the fly’s eyes to diamonds, a common simile used to highlight beauty. This simile is particularly important as it flatters the fly’s vanity and eventually leads to her downfall.
Metaphor: The "winding stair" and "parlour" serve as metaphors for the dangers and hidden traps in life. The spider’s web, though literally meant for trapping the fly, also represents the broader concept of manipulation and deceit that entangles the unsuspecting.
Conclusion: The Spider and the Fly by Mary Howitt is a timeless fable that warns against the dangers of flattery, vanity, and deceit. Through the interactions between the cunning spider and the gullible fly, Howitt emphasizes that one must be cautious of those who offer excessive praise, as it can often be a trap. The poem teaches an important life lesson: don’t allow vanity or a desire for admiration to blind you to the real dangers around you. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the universal relevance of its moral message.
C. In the poem, the spider tries to tempt the fly by offering her various comforts. Complete the table given below by filling in the fly's response to his various offers.
Temptation Fly's response
1. The fly can see many pretty things
in his parlour. _______________________________
2. The tired fly should rest in his
parlour. _________________________________
3. The fly should eat a little delicious
food. _________________________________
4. The fly should look at her beauty in
the looking glass in the parlour. _________________________________
D. From the poem find two examples of each of similes and metaphor.
Simile _____________________
Metaphor ________________
E. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
(a) 'Dear friend what shall I do,
To prove the warm affection I've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, a good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome, will you please to take a slice?'
(i) Why is the speaker called 'cunning'?
(ii) How does 'he' in these lines, try to lure the fly?
(iii) How does the fly react to the offer made by him?
(b) '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)Who is this 'sweet creature'?
(ii) Why is the speaker praising her so much?
(iii) Do you think this creature is really 'wise'? Why or Why not?
(c) The spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly fly would soon be back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready to dine upon the fly.
(i) Why did the speaker turn back into his den?
(ii) How did he know that the fly would soon be back?
(iii) Is he able to dine upon the fly? How?
II HOTS
A. What is a 'fable'? Why is the poem called a fable?
B. Of the various offers made by the spider, which one does the fly find most difficult to
resist?
III Life Skills
It is easy to flatter: it is hard to praise. How will you differentiate between your true
friend and a flatterer?
IV Values
True friends are hard to find. True friends are the greatest asset. Narrate an incident
when some friend helped you in your time of need and you realised that 'a friend in need
is a friend indeed'.
V Writing Skills
The spider wants to invite the fly to his home. He drops an invitation card at her home.
Make an Invitation Card for the spider inviting the fly to a dinner.
Answers
C. Complete the Table
Fill in the responses of the fly to each temptation:
Temptation | Fly's Response |
1. The fly can see many pretty things in his parlour. | "O no, no," said the little fly, "to ask me in is vain, for who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again." |
2. The tired fly should rest in his parlour. | "O no, no," said the little fly, "for I've often heard it said, they never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed." |
3. The fly should eat a little delicious food. | "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." |
4. The fly should look at her beauty in the looking glass in the parlour. | "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." |
D. Examples of Simile and Metaphor
Simile:
"Your eyes are like the diamond bright."
"With the pearl and silver wing."
Metaphor:
"I have a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf." (The spider’s parlour symbolizes a trap.)
"He wove a subtle web in a little corner sly." (The web symbolizes a cunning plan.)
E. Extracts and Questions
(a)(i) The speaker (the spider) is called 'cunning' because he uses flattery and deceit to lure the fly into his trap.(ii) He tries to lure the fly by offering her delicious food from his pantry, pretending to be affectionate and generous.(iii) The fly refuses the offer, saying she has heard about what’s in his pantry and doesn’t wish to see it.
(b)(i) The 'sweet creature' is the fly.(ii) The speaker (the spider) praises the fly to flatter her and make her feel special, so she will be tempted to enter his parlour.(iii) No, the fly is not wise because she eventually falls for the spider's flattery and gets trapped.
(c)(i) The spider turns back into his den because he is confident that the fly will come back, having been affected by his flattering words.(ii) He knows the fly will return because she hesitated and seemed affected by his compliments.(iii) Yes, he is able to dine upon the fly because she eventually succumbs to his flattery and flies close enough for him to trap her.
II. HOTS
A fable is a story that teaches a moral lesson, often using animals as characters. The poem is called a fable because it teaches us a lesson about the dangers of flattery and deception, using the spider and the fly to convey the message.
The fly finds it most difficult to resist the offer to look at her beauty in the looking glass, as the flattering words about her appearance make her feel special.
III. Life Skills
To differentiate between a true friend and a flatterer, you can observe how they respond in difficult situations. A true friend gives you constructive criticism and helps you grow, whereas a flatterer only offers empty praise to gain something for themselves.
IV. Values
Think of a personal experience where a friend helped you in a difficult time, highlighting how they supported you when you needed it the most. For example, a friend helping you with a school project when you were overwhelmed could be a good illustration.
V. Writing Skills
Create an invitation card as follows:
You're Invited!
To a Delightful Dinner at My Parlour
Hosted by: The Spider
Date: Today
Time: Just Before Dusk
Venue: The Winding Stair Parlour
Dress Code: Your finest gauzy wings and crested head!
Looking forward to your presence at the feast!(A delicious spread awaits you...)
Questions &Answrs/ MCQs/Reference/ Assessment
A. Comprehension Questions
What does the spider invite the fly to see in his parlour?
How does the fly respond when the spider invites her to rest on his bed?
What does the spider offer the fly from his pantry?
What flattering words does the spider use to describe the fly’s appearance?
How does the spider prepare to catch the fly after she initially refuses his offers?
What eventually leads the fly to enter the spider’s web?
What moral lesson does the poem convey in the final stanza?
B. Short Answer Questions
Why does the fly refuse to go into the spider's parlour at first?
What techniques does the spider use to try and persuade the fly?
Why does the fly finally give in to the spider’s invitation?
How does the spider prepare his trap for the fly?
What warning does Mary Howitt give to children at the end of the poem?
C. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
How does the poem illustrate the difference between flattery and genuine praise?
Why do you think the fly, despite knowing the dangers, still fell for the spider’s flattery?
If you were the fly, what could you have done differently to avoid falling into the spider’s trap?
How does vanity play a role in the fly’s downfall? Explain with examples from the poem.
Compare the spider’s character to people in real life who use manipulation to get what they want. What similarities can you draw?
D. Poetic Devices
Identify two examples of similes in the poem. How do they enhance the imagery?
Find two metaphors used in the poem. What do they symbolize?
How does the rhyme scheme contribute to the tone and mood of the poem?
Why do you think the poet uses repetition in the fly’s responses? How does it affect the reader’s perception of the fly’s character?
E. Extract-Based Questions
Extract 1:
"Will you walk into my parlour?" said the spider to the fly;"Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy."
Who is speaking in these lines?
What is the speaker’s intention?
How does the fly respond to this invitation?
Extract 2:
"Sweet creature!" said the spider, "you’re witty and you’re wise,How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!"
Who is being called 'sweet creature'?
Why is the speaker praising her so much?
Does the speaker genuinely believe what he says? Why or why not?
Extract 3:
"The spider turned him round about, and went into his den,For well he knew the silly fly would soon be back again."
Why does the spider go back into his den?
How is the fly described in this extract? Why?
What does this extract reveal about the spider’s character?
F. Long Answer Questions
Analyze the character of the spider in the poem. How does he use flattery and deceit to manipulate the fly?
Discuss the theme of vanity as portrayed in the poem. How does the poet show that vanity can lead to one's downfall?
How does Mary Howitt use the spider and the fly as symbols in the poem to convey a moral lesson?
Compare and contrast the spider and the fly’s characters. What are the key differences between them in terms of their personalities and actions?
Write a critical analysis of the poem, focusing on its structure, themes, and the moral message it conveys.
G. Life Skills
How can you differentiate between a true friend and a flatterer? Give examples from the poem to support your answer.
In your daily life, how do you handle situations where someone tries to flatter you? What can you learn from the fly's mistake?
Why is it important to be cautious of people who praise you excessively? Relate your answer to the poem and real life.
H. Values
True friends often point out our flaws and help us grow. Relate this to the character of the fly and discuss how a true friend would have acted differently.
Think of a situation where a friend or family member warned you against a bad decision. How did their advice help you, similar to how the fly could have benefited from better judgment?
I. Writing Skills
Invitation Card: Imagine the spider wants to invite the fly to dinner. Write an invitation card from the spider’s point of view, inviting the fly to his parlour.
Diary Entry: Write a diary entry from the fly’s perspective after she realizes she is being flattered by the spider, but before she goes back to the spider’s web.
Letter to a Friend: Write a letter from the fly to her friend, warning them about the dangers of listening to flattering words.
Poem Rewriting: Rewrite the ending of the poem where the fly does not fall for the spider’s trap. How would the story end differently?
Story Extension: Imagine that other flies hear about what happened to the fly in the poem. Write a continuation of the story from their perspective.
J. Vocabulary and Language
What does the word 'flatter' mean? Use it in a sentence.
Define the word 'cunning' as used in the poem. How does the spider exhibit cunning behaviour?
Find five adjectives used to describe the fly in the poem. How do these adjectives reflect the spider's manipulation?
Use the following words from the poem in your own sentences: parlour, weary, pantry, subtle, dismal.
A. Comprehension Questions
What does the spider invite the fly to see in his parlour?
The spider invites the fly to see his parlour, which he describes as the prettiest little parlour that the fly has ever seen.
How does the fly respond when the spider invites her to rest on his bed?
The fly refuses the spider’s offer, saying that she has heard that those who rest on his bed never wake up again.
What does the spider offer the fly from his pantry?
The spider offers the fly a slice of nice things stored in his pantry.
What flattering words does the spider use to describe the fly’s appearance?
The spider flatters the fly by calling her "witty and wise," and praising her "gauzy wings" and "brilliant eyes."
How does the spider prepare to catch the fly after she initially refuses his offers?
The spider goes back into his den and weaves a subtle web in a corner, ready to trap the fly when she returns.
What eventually leads the fly to enter the spider’s web?
The fly is lured into the web by the spider’s flattering words about her beauty and brilliant eyes, which make her forget the dangers.
What moral lesson does the poem convey in the final stanza?
The moral lesson of the poem is to beware of flattery and deceit, and not to heed idle, flattering words that can lead to harm.
B. Short Answer Questions
Why does the fly refuse to go into the spider's parlour at first?
The fly refuses because she knows that anyone who enters the spider’s parlour never comes out again.
What techniques does the spider use to try and persuade the fly?
The spider uses flattery, sweet words, and offers of comfort and food to persuade the fly.
Why does the fly finally give in to the spider’s invitation?
The fly gives in because she is charmed by the spider’s flattering compliments about her beauty.
How does the spider prepare his trap for the fly?
The spider weaves a subtle web in his den and waits patiently for the fly to return.
What warning does Mary Howitt give to children at the end of the poem?
Mary Howitt warns children not to be deceived by flattering words or evil counselors, as they can lead to harm.
C. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
How does the poem illustrate the difference between flattery and genuine praise?
The spider’s flattery is insincere and manipulative, aimed at tricking the fly, whereas genuine praise comes from a place of truth and kindness. The fly fails to distinguish between the two, which leads to her downfall.
Why do you think the fly, despite knowing the dangers, still fell for the spider’s flattery?
The fly is likely swayed by her vanity and the desire to hear good things about herself. The continuous flattery makes her forget the danger, showing how pride can cloud judgment.
If you were the fly, what could you have done differently to avoid falling into the spider’s trap?
If I were the fly, I would have trusted my initial instinct and completely avoided the spider instead of being tempted by his compliments.
How does vanity play a role in the fly’s downfall? Explain with examples from the poem.
Vanity plays a central role in the fly’s downfall. The spider praises her beauty, her wings, and her eyes, and she is so absorbed by these compliments that she forgets the danger and allows herself to be trapped.
Compare the spider’s character to people in real life who use manipulation to get what they want. What similarities can you draw?
The spider represents people who use flattery and manipulation to deceive others. Like the spider, such people exploit the weaknesses of others—such as vanity or trust—by making insincere compliments or promises to achieve their selfish goals.
D. Poetic Devices
Identify two examples of similes in the poem. How do they enhance the imagery?
One example is "your eyes are like the diamond bright." This simile enhances the imagery by making the fly’s eyes seem dazzling and precious. Another example is "your wings are gauzy," which makes them appear delicate and fragile, adding to the fly’s allure.
Find two metaphors used in the poem. What do they symbolize?
One metaphor is the "parlour," symbolizing a trap rather than a welcoming home. Another metaphor is "winding stair," which symbolizes a path leading to doom rather than discovery.
How does the rhyme scheme contribute to the tone and mood of the poem?
The consistent rhyme scheme gives the poem a sing-song quality, which contrasts with its dark message. This structure lures the reader in much like the spider lures the fly, making the tone both light and sinister.
Why do you think the poet uses repetition in the fly’s responses? How does it affect the reader’s perception of the fly’s character?
The repetition of the fly’s refusals reinforces her initial caution and wisdom. However, as she gives in to the spider’s flattery, it highlights her weakness and eventual downfall, making her seem naïve.
E. Extract-Based Questions
Extract 1:
"Will you walk into my parlour?" said the spider to the fly;"Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy."
Who is speaking in these lines?
The spider is speaking in these lines.
What is the speaker’s intention?
The spider intends to lure the fly into his trap by making the parlour sound attractive.
How does the fly respond to this invitation?
The fly refuses, saying that whoever goes up the winding stair never comes down again.
Extract 2:
"Sweet creature!" said the spider, "you’re witty and you’re wise,How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!"
Who is being called 'sweet creature'?
The fly is being called 'sweet creature.'
Why is the speaker praising her so much?
The spider is praising her to flatter her and manipulate her into entering his trap.
Does the speaker genuinely believe what he says? Why or why not?
No, the speaker does not genuinely believe what he says. The spider is using false flattery to deceive the fly.
Extract 3:
"The spider turned him round about, and went into his den,For well he knew the silly fly would soon be back again."
Why does the spider go back into his den?
The spider goes back into his den to prepare his web because he is confident the fly will return.
How is the fly described in this extract? Why?
The fly is described as "silly" because the spider knows she will eventually fall for his trick despite her initial refusals.
What does this extract reveal about the spider’s character?
This extract reveals that the spider is cunning, patient, and manipulative. He is confident in his ability to deceive the fly.
F. Long Answer Questions
Analyze the character of the spider in the poem. How does he use flattery and deceit to manipulate the fly?
The spider in the poem is portrayed as cunning and manipulative. He flatters the fly with compliments about her beauty, intelligence, and wit to make her lower her guard. He also offers comfort, food, and safety, all while knowing that the fly’s vanity will make her succumb to his trap. The spider carefully selects his words to manipulate the fly into trusting him, despite the fly’s initial wariness. His deceitful nature is revealed in his ability to twist the truth to serve his predatory instincts, which ultimately leads to the fly's demise.
Discuss the theme of vanity as portrayed in the poem. How does the poet show that vanity can lead to one's downfall?
Vanity is a central theme in the poem, and it is the key reason for the fly's downfall. The fly knows the dangers of the spider’s parlour, but the continuous flattery from the spider weakens her resolve. Her desire to be admired and praised blinds her to the obvious danger, showing how vanity can cloud judgment. The poet uses the spider's manipulative praise to demonstrate that excessive pride in one's appearance or intelligence can make a person vulnerable to deceit and manipulation.
How does Mary Howitt use the spider and the fly as symbols in the poem to convey a moral lesson?
In the poem, the spider symbolizes deceit and manipulation, while the fly represents innocence and vanity. The interaction between the two conveys a moral lesson about the dangers of flattery and the importance of being cautious when someone is excessively complimentary. The fly, seduced by the spider’s words, falls into a deadly trap, illustrating how those who seek validation from others can be easily misled. The poem teaches readers to be wary of those who use flattery for their own selfish purposes.
Compare and contrast the spider and the fly’s characters. What are the key differences between them in terms of their personalities and actions?
The spider is manipulative, cunning, and deceitful, while the fly is naïve, vain, and easily flattered. The spider uses clever words and false praise to lure the fly into his trap, carefully planning his approach. In contrast, the fly initially resists, showing some wisdom, but ultimately succumbs to her vanity. The key difference lies in the spider’s calculated manipulation versus the fly’s susceptibility to compliments and desire for admiration. The spider is patient and strategic, while the fly is impulsive and driven by her vanity.
Write a critical analysis of the poem, focusing on its structure, themes, and the moral message it conveys.
"The Spider and the Fly" is structured as a narrative poem with a simple rhyme scheme that gives it a sing-song quality, making it appealing to children while delivering a serious moral lesson. The themes of deceit, flattery, and vanity are central to the poem. The spider’s flattery and manipulation represent how people can use sweet words to deceive others. The fly’s downfall, caused by her vanity and inability to resist flattery, conveys a moral about the dangers of excessive pride. The poem’s repetition of the fly’s refusals heightens the tension, while the spider’s persistence shows how manipulation works over time. The final stanza serves as a direct moral lesson, advising readers, especially children, to be cautious of flattering words that may lead to harm. The poem’s simple language and structure belie the deeper themes of trust, vulnerability, and deceit.
G. Life Skills
How can you differentiate between a true friend and a flatterer? Give examples from the poem to support your answer.
A true friend offers honest feedback, even if it’s critical, while a flatterer only gives compliments to gain something. In the poem, the spider is a flatterer, praising the fly’s beauty and wisdom to trick her into entering his trap. A true friend would be more concerned about the fly’s well-being rather than trying to manipulate her with compliments.
In your daily life, how do you handle situations where someone tries to flatter you? What can you learn from the fly's mistake?
In daily life, it’s important to recognize when someone’s praise is genuine versus when it is manipulative. From the fly’s mistake, I can learn to be cautious of excessive flattery and to trust my instincts. It’s important to stay grounded and not let compliments cloud judgment, especially when the person giving them has something to gain.
Why is it important to be cautious of people who praise you excessively? Relate your answer to the poem and real life.
Excessive praise can be a tool for manipulation, as shown in the poem when the spider uses flattery to lure the fly into his web. In real life, people who praise excessively might be doing so to gain favor or manipulate someone for their own benefit. Being cautious of such praise helps prevent falling into traps like the fly did.
H. Values
True friends often point out our flaws and help us grow. Relate this to the character of the fly and discuss how a true friend would have acted differently.
The fly, who is flattered by the spider’s compliments, lacks a true friend to warn her of the danger. A true friend would have pointed out the spider’s deceitful nature and helped the fly recognize that the flattery was insincere. Instead of encouraging her vanity, a true friend would help her see the situation more clearly, preventing her from making a fatal mistake.
Think of a situation where a friend or family member warned you against a bad decision. How did their advice help you, similar to how the fly could have benefited from better judgment?
A personal example could involve a friend warning me about a risky financial decision, and their advice helped me reconsider and make a better choice. Similarly, if the fly had listened to her instincts or received advice from a wiser friend, she could have avoided the spider’s trap.
I. Writing Skills
Invitation Card:
Imagine the spider wants to invite the fly to dinner. Write an invitation card from the spider’s point of view, inviting the fly to his parlour.
Invitation Card:
You are cordially invited to an exclusive evening at my luxurious parlour. Enjoy a delectable feast, accompanied by the finest comforts. Discover my collection of pretty things and relax in a cozy bed. Your delightful company would make the evening truly splendid. Awaiting your presence!
With warm regards,
The Spider
Diary Entry:
Write a diary entry from the fly’s perspective after she realizes she is being flattered by the spider, but before she goes back to the spider’s web.
Diary Entry:
Dear Diary,
Today I met the charming spider again. He said such lovely things about me—called me wise, beautiful, and so clever. But something in his words made me feel uneasy. I’ve heard of his tricks before... should I trust him? His compliments are tempting, but what if there’s danger? I can’t stop thinking about his pretty parlour. I must be careful, yet part of me wants to go back...
The Fly
Letter to a Friend:
Write a letter from the fly to her friend, warning them about the dangers of listening to flattering words.
Letter to a Friend:
Dear Friend,
I wanted to warn you about the spider I met. He’s full of sweet words and endless compliments, but there’s something off about him. He praises everything—my wings, my eyes—but I’ve heard that those who trust his flattery never come back. Please be careful and don’t fall for his tricks like I almost did. Stay wise, and don’t let anyone fool you with empty praise.
Your friend, The Fly
Poem Rewriting:
Rewrite the ending of the poem where the fly does not fall for the spider’s trap. How would the story end differently?
Rewritten Ending:
The fly hovered above, her wings in a flutter,
She paused for a moment, refusing to stutter.
“Your words are sweet, but I won’t be deceived,
For I know the fate of those who’ve believed!”
With that, she flew off, her head held high,
Leaving the spider to sigh and wonder why.
And thus she escaped the web so sly,
With wisdom and caution, the fly did fly.
Story Extension:
Imagine that other flies hear about what happened to the fly in the poem. Write a continuation of the story from their perspective.
Story Extension:
The other flies buzzed around, whispering about the fate of the silly fly who had fallen for the spider’s tricks. They vowed to stay far away from his web, teaching each other the importance of being cautious and not trusting empty praise. From then on, the flies learned to be wary of those who seemed too sweet with their words, ensuring that none of them would ever meet the same end.
J. Vocabulary and Language
What does the word 'flatter' mean? Use it in a sentence.
Flatter means to praise someone excessively or insincerely.
Sentence: She flattered her friend by constantly praising her, but it was clear she had ulterior motives.
Define the word 'cunning' as used in the poem. How does the spider exhibit cunning behavior?
Cunning means being skillful in deception or trickery. The spider exhibits cunning behavior by carefully crafting his words and flattery to lure the fly into his trap without revealing his true intentions.
Use the word 'beware' in a sentence related to the poem.
Sentence: The fly should have listened to her instincts and been aware of the spider’s false compliments.
