The “Spider and the Fly” and other poems is a picture book by Mary Howitt. The book’s genre is imaginary. “Spider and the Fly” is a warning narrative about flattery. Howitt personifies both the spider and the fly to caution people against falling into the trap of flattering words. The personification of characters enables the author to convey her message to readers clearly. The spider and the fly are given human behavior and traits to metaphorically give the tale a ludicrous connection to make the message clearer. Howitt uses dialogue in her narrative to provide realism and draw the attention of a reader.
The cautionary tale begins with the Spider luring the Fly into his ‘parlor’. The Spider uses pleasing words to entice the fly. The Fly seems to understand the Spider’s tricks and refuses his invitation. Howitt consciously explores the objectives of both the predators and prey and how they are supposed to conduct themselves. In the poem, Fly understands that all that glitters is not gold. The Spider’s objective is to lure the Fly into his web and eat her. The use of the Spider signifies evil, and the use of the Fly embodies innocence.
The poet portrays the Spider as a persuasive and convincing man and the Fly as a pretty woman. The allegory is used to caution beautiful women against falling into the trap of convincing men. The poem provides a moral lesson from a wide range of perspectives. Flattery words always lead people to tragedies. Manipulation is a dangerous aspect that should be avoided at all costs.
