Pre-reading Task
- Look up the meaning of the word ‘flatter’ in a dictionary.
Answer – The word ‘flatter’ means to praise or compliment someone excessively or insincerely, often to gain favour or influence them. It involves making someone feel good about themselves, sometimes with an ulterior motive, as seen in the spider’s manipulative praise of the fly’s appearance in the poem.
- Have you ever flattered anyone? Why did you do that? What was its effect on the listener?
Answer – Once, I complimented a classmate on their presentation skills to encourage them before a school event. My intention was to boost their confidence, not to deceive. They smiled, seemed more relaxed, and performed well. However, I realized sincere praise works better than empty flattery, as it builds trust without hidden motives, unlike the spider’s tactics in the poem.
- Imagine that you have two friends. One keeps on praising you endlessly, tells you how intelligent, beautiful and clever you are. The other often points out your mistakes and asks you to improve. Which of the two friends would you like/trust more and why?
Answer – I would trust the friend who points out my mistakes and encourages improvement. Endless praise, like the spider’s flattery in the poem, can be insincere and hide ulterior motives, making it unreliable. Honest feedback, though sometimes tough, shows genuine care for my growth, fostering trust and helping me become better, which is more valuable than superficial compliments.
Word Meaning
Word | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Hindi) |
Parlour | A small sitting room in a house | बैठक |
Winding stair | A staircase that turns or curves | घुमावदार सीढ़ी |
Vain | Useless; without success | व्यर्थ |
Weary | Tired or exhausted | थका हुआ |
Snugly | Comfortably and warmly | आराम से; सुकून से |
Affection | A feeling of love or fondness | स्नेह |
Pantry | A small room for storing food | भंडारगृह |
Gauzy | Light and delicate, like thin fabric | पारदर्शी; महीन |
Behold | To see or observe | देखना |
Den | The resting or hiding place of a wild animal (here: spider) | मांद |
Subtle | Delicate or precise, difficult to notice | सूक्ष्म; चालाक |
Sly | Clever in a deceitful way | चालाक; धूर्त |
Wily | Skilled at gaining advantage in a dishonest way | चतुर; मक्कार |
Flattering | Giving excessive compliments to gain favour | चापलूसी करना |
Dismal | Gloomy, dark, or depressing | उदास; अंधेरा |
Counsellor | Someone who gives advice | सलाहकार |
Crested | Having a decorative tuft or feather on the head | सिर पर कलगी वाला |
Alas | An expression of sadness or regret | हाय!; अफ़सोस |
Flitting | Moving lightly and quickly | फड़फड़ाना; उड़ते हुए जाना |
Lead | A heavy, dull, grey metal (symbolically dull or lifeless) | सीसा (यहां: सुस्त या बेरंग) |
Summary in English:
The poem ‘The Spider and the Fly’ by Mary Howitt is a cautionary tale in verse. It tells the story of a cunning spider who tries to lure a little fly into his web by using sweet and flattering words. The spider first invites the fly into his ‘pretty parlour,’ then tempts her with rest, food, and compliments. The fly initially resists, recalling what she has heard about the spider’s trap. However, the spider continues to praise her beauty and wit until the fly, flattered and proud, finally falls into his trap. The spider catches her and eats her. The poem ends with a moral: beware of those who flatter you with false praise.
🇮🇳 Summary in Hindi:
मैरी होविट द्वारा लिखित कविता “द स्पाइडर एंड द फ्लाई” एक नैतिक शिक्षाप्रद कहानी है। इसमें एक चालाक मकड़ी एक भोली-भाली मक्खी को अपने जाल में फँसाने की कोशिश करती है। वह उसे अपने सुंदर कमरे में आने के लिए आमंत्रित करती है, आराम करने, खाने और उसकी सुंदरता की तारीफों के माध्यम से उसे फुसलाती है। पहले तो मक्खी इन बातों को ठुकरा देती है, क्योंकि उसे मकड़ी की चालाकी के बारे में पता होता है। लेकिन बार-बार तारीफ सुनकर वह प्रभावित हो जाती है और आखिरकार मकड़ी के जाल में फँस जाती है। मकड़ी उसे पकड़ लेती है और खा जाती है। कविता एक संदेश के साथ समाप्त होती है कि झूठी तारीफों और चापलूसी करने वालों से सावधान रहना चाहिए।
Understanding the Story
A. In the web chart given below, mention the various luxury things that according to the spider furnish his parlour.
Spider’s parlour –
Answer – Winding stair
Pretty curtains
Fine and thin sheets
Looking-glass
Pantry with delicious food
B. The spider tries to lure the fly by praising her beautiful appearance. In the web chart given below, mention the various phrases that he uses.
FLY
Answer – “You’re witty and you’re wise”
“How handsome are your gauzy wings”
“How brilliant are your eyes”
“Your robes are green and purple”
“There’s a crest upon your head”
“Your eyes are like the diamond bright”
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.
Answer –
Temptation | Fly’s Response |
1. The fly can see many pretty things in his parlour. | “O no, no… 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… They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed.” |
3. The fly should eat a little delicious food. | “O no, no… I’ve heard what’s in your pantry, and I do not wish to see.” |
4. Look at her beauty in the mirror. | “I thank you, gentle sir… I’ll call another day.” |
D- From the poem find two examples of each of similes and metaphor.
Simile —
“Your eyes are like the diamond bright”
“Mine are dull as lead”
Metaphor —
“Your robes are green and purple” (refers to the fly’s wings)
“There’s a crest upon your head” (describing fly’s appearance metaphorically)
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’?
Answer – Because he cleverly pretends to be affectionate to trap the fly.
(ii) How does he’ in these lines, try to lure the fly?
Answer – By offering her delicious food from his pantry.
(iii) How does the fly react to the offer made by him?
Answer – She declines, saying she doesn’t want to see what’s in the pantry.
(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’?
Answer – The fly.
(ii) Why is the speaker praising her so much?
Answer – To flatter and trick her into his trap.
(iii) Do you think this creature is really ‘wise’? Why or Why not?
Answer – No, because she eventually falls into the spider’s trap despite warnings.
(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 comer sly, And set his table ready to dine upon the fly.
(i) Why did the speaker turn back into his den?
Answer – To prepare his trap as he was sure the fly would return.
(ii) How did he know that the fly would soon be back?
Answer – Because he knew his flattery had affected her.
(iii) Is he able to dine upon the fly? How?
Answer – Yes, he traps her when she returns, enchanted by his flattery.
HOTS
- What is a fable”? Why is the poem called a fable?
Answer – A fable is a short story, often with animals as characters, that teaches a moral. This poem is a fable because it uses the spider and fly to teach the lesson not to trust flatterers.
- On the various offers made by the spider, which one does the fly find the most difficult to resist?
Answer – The offer to look at her own beauty in the looking-glass was the most tempting because she became proud and curious about her appearance.
Life Skills
It is easy to flatter: it is hard to praise. How will you differentiate between your true friend and a flatterer?
Answer – A true friend gives honest feedback and stands by you during hard times, while a flatterer praises you for selfish reasons and may mislead you.
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’.
Answer – Once I forgot my notebook at home on the day of an important submission. My friend shared his notes with me and even helped me complete the work during lunch. That day, I realised how valuable a good friend truly is.
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.
Answer –
🕸️ You Are Invited! 🕷️
Dear Beautiful Fly,
You are cordially invited
to a Grand Dinner Party
at my lovely parlour!
🕯️ Date: Tonight
🕯️ Time: After Sunset
🕯️ Venue: Spider’s Parlour, Winding Stair
Delicious treats await you,
and a special looking-glass surprise too!
Hope to see you soon,
Yours flatteringly,
Mr. Spider
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- What is the main theme of the poem “The Spider and the Fly”?
Beauty and wisdom
B. Deception and flattery
C. Friendship and loyalty
D. Courage and bravery
Answer: B. Deception and flattery - What does the spider first offer the fly?
A slice of cake
B. A look into the mirror
C. A tour of his parlour
D. A nap on the bed
Answer: C. A tour of his parlour - What quality of the fly is the spider most interested in?
Her strength
B. Her honesty
C. Her beauty
D. Her intelligence
Answer: C. Her beauty - Why does the fly reject the spider’s offers initially?
She is in a hurry
B. She has been warned about his traps
C. She is tired
D. She is shy
Answer: B. She has been warned about his traps - What finally lures the fly into the spider’s web?
The offer of food
B. Flattering compliments
C. The winding stair
D. The warm bed
Answer: B. Flattering compliments - What kind of web does the spider weave?
A net of silk
B. A shiny web
C. A subtle and sly web
D. A golden web
Answer: C. A subtle and sly web
- Short Question and Answers (30 words max)
- Why does the fly refuse to visit the spider’s parlour?
Answer: The fly refuses because she has heard that those who go up the winding stair never come down again. - What does the spider praise about the fly?
Answer: The spider praises the fly’s gauzy wings, brilliant eyes, and her beauty. - Why is the fly called silly in the poem?
Answer: The fly is called silly because she falls for the spider’s flattery and enters his trap, despite knowing better. - What does the spider prepare in his den?
Answer: The spider prepares a subtle web and sets his table, planning to dine on the fly. - What message does the poet give at the end of the poem?
Answer: The poet warns readers not to fall for flattery and evil advice, urging them to stay alert and wise.
- Competency-Based Reasoning and Assertion Questions
- Assertion (A): The spider was cunning and clever.
Reason (R): He used clever words and flattery to trap the fly.
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.
Answer: A - Assertion (A): The fly is wise and clever.
Reason (R): She avoids all temptations and outsmarts the spider.
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is false, but R is true.
D. Both A and R are false.
Answer: D - Assertion (A): The spider uses emotional manipulation to trap the fly.
Reason (R): He makes the fly feel special by praising her looks.
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.
Answer: A
- Long Answer Questions (50–60 words)
- Describe the techniques used by the spider to trap the fly.
Answer: The spider uses flattery, emotional manipulation, and tempting offers to trap the fly. He praises her beauty, invites her to see his beautiful parlour, offers her food and rest, and finally wins her over with excessive compliments. Despite being warned, the fly gives in and becomes his prey. - What lesson does the poem “The Spider and the Fly” teach children?
Answer: The poem teaches children not to trust flattering words blindly. It shows how cunning people may use sweet talk to deceive others. The fly, though warned, ignores her instinct and pays the price. The message is to remain cautious, especially when someone praises too much without reason. - How does the fly’s attitude change throughout the poem?
Answer: Initially, the fly is cautious and wise, rejecting all of the spider’s temptations. However, her attitude changes when the spider flatters her beauty. Overcome by vanity, she forgets her fears and becomes easy prey. This shift highlights how overconfidence or vanity can lead to one’s downfall. - How is the spider portrayed in the poem, and what makes his character effective?
Answer: The spider is portrayed as cunning, clever, and persuasive. His calm and polite manner, deceptive kindness, and well-crafted words make him a dangerous manipulator. His character is effective because he embodies how predators use charm and patience to trap the unsuspecting, especially those driven by vanity.
Additional Questions and Answers – 02
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- What is the spider’s first invitation to the fly in the poem?
a) To eat food from his pantry
b) To walk into his parlour
c) To rest on his bed
d) To look in his mirror
Answer: b) To walk into his parlour - Why does the fly initially refuse the spider’s invitations?
a) She is too busy to visit
b) She knows the spider’s intentions are dangerous
c) She dislikes the spider’s parlour
d) She is afraid of heights
Answer: b) She knows the spider’s intentions are dangerous - What does the spider offer to prove his affection for the fly?
a) A gift of jewelry
b) Food from his pantry
c) A tour of his den
d) A new set of wings
Answer: b) Food from his pantry - What feature of the fly does the spider praise to lure her?
a) Her strength
b) Her brilliant eyes and gauzy wings
c) Her speed in flying
d) Her cleverness in avoiding traps
Answer: b) Her brilliant eyes and gauzy wings - What does the spider do after the fly initially refuses his invitations?
a) He gives up and leaves her alone
b) He weaves a subtle web to trap her
c) He invites another fly
d) He destroys his parlour
Answer: b) He weaves a subtle web to trap her - What ultimately causes the fly to fall into the spider’s trap?
a) Her hunger for food
b) Her curiosity about the spider’s den
c) Her vanity about her appearance
d) Her trust in the spider’s kindness
Answer: c) Her vanity about her appearance - What is the moral lesson of the poem?
a) Trust strangers who offer kindness
b) Avoid flattery and deceitful words
c) Always accept invitations politely
d) Be cautious of new places
Answer: b) Avoid flattery and deceitful words - How does the spider describe his own eyes compared to the fly’s?
a) As brighter than hers
b) As dull as lead
c) As sharp as diamonds
d) As green and purple
Answer: b) As dull as lead - What does the fly say before leaving the spider temporarily?
a) She promises to return later
b) She insults the spider’s parlour
c) She thanks him and bids good morning
d) She warns him to stop flattering her
Answer: c) She thanks him and bids good morning - What does the spider do to prepare for the fly’s return?
a) He cleans his parlour
b) He sets his table and weaves a web
c) He hides in his den
d) He writes a song for her
Answer: b) He sets his table and weaves a web
Short Questions and Answers
- What does the spider invite the fly to see in his parlour?
Answer: The spider invites the fly to see many pretty things in his parlour. - Why does the fly refuse to rest on the spider’s bed?
Answer: The fly refuses because she has heard that those who sleep on the spider’s bed never wake again. - What does the spider offer the fly from his pantry?
Answer: The spider offers the fly a slice of the nice food stored in his pantry. - How does the spider describe the fly’s wings?
Answer: The spider describes the fly’s wings as gauzy and like pearl and silver. - What does the fly think about when she returns to the spider?
Answer: The fly thinks about her brilliant eyes, green and purple hue, and crested head. - What does the spider do after the fly refuses his initial invitations?
Answer: The spider weaves a subtle web in a corner and sets his table to dine on the fly. - What is the spider’s final tactic to lure the fly?
Answer: The spider flatters the fly’s appearance, praising her eyes, wings, and crest. - What happens to the fly at the end of the poem?
Answer: The spider drags the fly up his winding stair into his dismal den, trapping her. - What does the poem warn against?
Answer: The poem warns against heeding idle, flattering words from deceitful sources. - How does the spider behave when the fly first refuses him?
Answer: The spider confidently retreats to his den, knowing the fly will return, and prepares a web.
Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion (A): The fly’s downfall was due to her vanity.
Reason (R): She was swayed by the spider’s flattery about her appearance, ignoring her initial caution.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The fly’s initial wariness kept her safe, but the spider’s compliments about her wings and eyes fed her vanity, leading her to approach the web and fall into the trap. - Assertion (A): The spider used flattery as his primary strategy to trap the fly.
Reason (R): He praised the fly’s beauty and offered enticing invitations to lure her into his den.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The spider’s repeated compliments and alluring offers, like resting in his parlour, were designed to exploit the fly’s pride, ultimately leading to her capture. - Assertion (A): The fly was initially cautious about the spider’s intentions.
Reason (R): She refused the spider’s invitations, knowing the dangers of his parlour and bed.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The fly’s early refusals, based on her knowledge of the spider’s deadly reputation, show her caution, though she later succumbs to flattery. - Assertion (A): The spider was confident in his ability to trap the fly.
Reason (R): He prepared a web and set his table, expecting the fly to return despite her refusals.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The spider’s actions, like weaving a web and confidently waiting, reflect his belief that his flattery would eventually draw the fly back to her doom. - Assertion (A): The poem teaches a lesson about the dangers of flattery.
Reason (R): The fly’s fate shows that giving in to deceitful praise can lead to harmful consequences.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The fly’s entrapment after succumbing to the spider’s flattery illustrates the poem’s warning against trusting flattering words from those with harmful intentions.
Long Questions and Answers (50-60 words)
- How does the spider use flattery to manipulate the fly in the poem?
The spider flatters the fly by praising her gauzy wings, brilliant eyes, and crested head, appealing to her vanity. He offers enticing invitations to his parlour, bed, and pantry, creating a false sense of affection. This cunning flattery overcomes the fly’s initial caution, luring her into his web, where he traps her, revealing his deceitful intent. - Why does the fly initially resist the spider’s invitations?
The fly resists the spider’s invitations because she is aware of his dangerous reputation. She knows that entering his parlour or sleeping in his bed leads to death, and she distrusts the contents of his pantry. Her caution and wisdom initially protect her, but the spider’s persistent flattery eventually clouds her judgment, leading to her downfall. - What role does the spider’s confidence play in the poem?
The spider’s confidence is central to his success. After the fly’s refusals, he calmly retreats to his den, certain she will return. He weaves a subtle web and sets his table, anticipating her vanity will draw her back. This confidence in his flattery’s power ensures his trap is ready, leading to the fly’s capture. - How does the poem illustrate the consequences of vanity?
The poem shows vanity’s consequences through the fly’s fate. Initially cautious, she succumbs to the spider’s flattery about her eyes, wings, and crest. Her pride blinds her to danger, leading her to approach the spider’s web. This results in her capture, highlighting how vanity can make one vulnerable to deceit and harmful outcomes. - What moral lesson does the poem convey about flattery?
The poem warns against heeding flattery from deceitful sources. The spider’s cunning praise lures the fly into a deadly trap, despite her initial wariness. This teaches that flattering words can mask harmful intentions, urging readers to stay cautious, keep a closed heart to deceit, and avoid being swayed by idle compliments.