The poem consists of seven stanzas. The first six stanzas involve a tale of the spider and the fly. The poet uses the last stanza to change the narrative into a message to people, especially the children, reading the poem. The spider is using his charming words to lure the fly into his home. The fly appears to understand every trick the spider uses. The persistence of the spider with charming words and compliments confuses the fly. Gradually, the fly begins believing the spider and forgets the dangers posed by drawing near his home. Readers can see the value of persistence, resilience, and patience because the spider persisted with patience and finally attains his target.
The tale cautions the readers against getting enticed into temptation by cunning people with ulterior motives. The spider metaphorically signifies cunning yet evil people who use charming words of deceit to lure others into temptations. Wrong people with sinister motives use tricks of flattery words to achieve their wicked mission. These people don’t give up in pursuit of their target. Tactfully, they employ several strategies, just like the spider, to achieve their objectives.
Howitt uses the last stanza to clarify her message of the poem. The poet warns children against being enticed with flattery words. The strong people in the society can use manipulation to oppress the weak. The spider manipulates the fly using the beauty of his home. Weak people in society are vulnerable to imaginary comfort. These people don’t consider the dangers of flattery. The poem gives readers an insight into the charms of vanity.
