Search results
The opening line is one of the most recognized and quoted first lines in all of English verse. [3] Often misquoted as "Step into my parlour" or "Come into my parlour", it has become an aphorism, often used to indicate a false offer of help or friendship that is in fact a trap. The line has been used and parodied numerous times in various works ...
- Mary Howitt
- 1987
'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." "I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
- 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 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, For who goes up your winding ...
May 30, 2024 · Mary Howitt lived from 1799 to 1888. Her poem, The Spider and the Fly, was first published in 1829, almost 200 years ago. The first line of the poem – “Will you walk into my parlour?” said the spider to the fly – is often misquoted, and you may have heard people say, “‘Come into my parlour,’ said the spider to the fly.”
I have a little looking-glass upon my parlor shelf. If you’ll l step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself!” “I thank gentle sir” she said for what you’re pleased to say. And bidding you good morning now, I’ll call another day. The fourth stanza is fraught with exclamation marks. And flattery.
People also ask
What is the first line of the poem 'will you step into my parlour'?
Who said 'Will you walk into my Parlor' in a 1907 cartoon?
Who wrote the poem 'The spider and the fly'?
How does the Spider appeal to the fly in the first stanza?
What does the Spider say in the first line?
What does'step into my parlour' mean?
Nov 13, 2023 · The opening line is one of the most recognized and quoted first lines in all of English verse. Often misquoted as "Step into my parlour" or "Come into my parlour", it has become an aphorism, often used to indicate a false offer of help or friendship that is in fact a trap. The line has been used and parodied numerous times in various works of ...
