मराठी
तामिळनाडू बोर्ड ऑफ सेकेंडरी एज्युकेशनएस.एस.एल.सी. (इंग्रजी माध्यम) इयत्ता ९

What happens if we fall a prey to flattery? Give instances from the poem 'The Spider and the Fly’.

Advertisements
Advertisements

प्रश्न

What happens if we fall a prey to flattery? Give instances from the poem 'The Spider and the Fly’.

दीर्घउत्तर
Advertisements

उत्तर १

Title: The Spider and the Fly
Poetess: Mary Botham Howitt
Characters: Spider and fly
Theme: Prevention is better than cure Flattery is a deadly weapon to defeat the enemies. The poem stresses the idea that can be seen in social trends today. If individuals succumb to superficiality, bad things are not far behind. The fly is ensnared because of the superficial praises of the spider.

“To idle, silly, flattering words, I pray you never give heed. Unto an evil counselor, close heart and ear and eye” The spider is able to ‘ weave a web’ to ensnare the fly because of the superficial praise heaped on it. When the fly gives into this praise, believing it as truth, the fly is destroyed. In society, if the people are giving in tempting words and praises then they fall prey to flattery. Just as the fly is destroyed by the spider, the people will also be affected by the flatterers.
” Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish”

shaalaa.com

उत्तर २

Title: The Spider and the Fly
Poetess: Mary Botham Howitt (1799 -1888)
Characters: spider and fly
Theme: “Look before you leap”

Flattery is a deadly weapon to overcome enemies. The poem stress this idea. It is seen in society. If people succumb to superficiality, bad things approach them easily. The spider praises the fly excessively. The fly becomes prey to the flattery of the spider. The spider is able to ‘weave a web.

The spider ensnares the fly by his praises. Trusting the flattery, the fly gives in to destroy herself. There are people in the society, who yield to the tempting words fall prey to their enemies. The poet advises the readers not to keep their hearts, eyes, and ears open to the evil counselors.
“All that glitters is not gold”

shaalaa.com
Poetry (Class 9th)
  या प्रश्नात किंवा उत्तरात काही त्रुटी आहे का?
पाठ 4.2: The Spider and the Fly - Exercise 1 [पृष्ठ १०५]

APPEARS IN

सामाचीर कलवी English Class 9 TN Board
पाठ 4.2 The Spider and the Fly
Exercise 1 | Q C. 2. | पृष्ठ १०५

संबंधित प्रश्‍न

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.

Why does ‘he’ give his harness bells a shake?


And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright.

What does ‘apple’ signify?


Identify five to six qualities which make an ordinary person, loved and respected by all. Work in groups of five or six. Each group has to take up one quality and discuss the methods for imbibing that quality and identify the challenges that need to be faced.


Why does the poet say ‘No’ in the beginning of the third stanza?


"The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:"

Why is the poet using the word 'den' to describe the spider’s web?


In your own words give a detailed description of:

The Spider’s Parlour


Through the flowers and foliage glancing,
Like a child at play.

Mention the figure speech used in the above line. Give various other examples from the poem.


In the dust, they leave behind,
Could have started life on the earth,
Which resulted in mankind.

What does the word 'they' refer to?


Complete the summary by filling in the given spaces with suitable words/phrases given below.

a trail spectacular spectacular scene outer ice a cheetah
day or night emerging of life powerful and strong shock wave scientists

The poet describes a moving comet which speeds through the heavens and never takes a break by ____________. When a comet is in full flight, it gives a ____________ which can never be compared to anything else for a lifetime. The comet is compared to ____________ for its speed and a mountain as it is ____________. The ____________ melts which causes a vapour from the force and leaves behind _________ as it travels on its way. If it comes very close to the atmosphere, it causes a shake which in turn produces a ____________ that reach the Earth’s surface. According to the ______________ the comets leave behind chemicals in the form of dust which resulted in the ____________ on earth and mankind came into existence. But the poet is not sure whether this principle is true or not but he knows for sure that whatever the truth may be, the sight of the comet in full flight is ____________.


The gladdest people living are the wholesome folks who make
A circle at the fireside that no power but death can break.

What can break their unity?


Share
Notifications

Englishहिंदीमराठी


      Forgot password?
Use app×