The Spider and the Fly

What is the best summary of the poem?

• The spider invites the fly into his home.  After many attempts, she is persuaded. They share dinner and become friends. The fly moves in with the spider.

• The spider compliments the fly and offers dinner.  The fly leaves, only to return again.  The spider tricks the fly to join him for dinner.

• The spider invites the fly into his home.  The fly leaves, but soon returns.  The spider uses sweet words and grabs the fly. The fly never escapes.

• The spider invites the fly into his parlor.  The fly resists.  The spider catches other bugs for dinner.

What can we infer from the following lines?     

"Up jumped the cunning spider, and fiercely held her fast.  He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den, Within his little parlor; but she ne'er came out again!"

• The spider ate the fly.

• The fly died of fear.

• The spider helped repair the fly's broken wing.

• The fly finally decided to join the spider.

What do these lines reveal to the reader?

• The fly decided to rest in the spider's parlor.

• The spider's compliments are what finally convinced the fly to approach.

• The fly decides to be friends with the  sweet-talking spider.

• The fly knows the spider is dangerous.

" 'I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high; Will you rest upon my little bed?' said the spider to the fly."         

From context clues, what is the meaning of the word "weary"?

• showing hesitation

• worn out in strength or energy

• interest is being tested

• being wise

Which line best reveals the author's use of simile?

• "Will you walk into my parlor?" said the spider to the fly;

• "How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!"

• "Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead."

• "To idle, silly, flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed;"

Which lines show foreshadowing? Select two correct answers.

• "I have within my pantry good store of all that's nice."

• "And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in."

• "For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

• "So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,"

Which of the following should be included in the summary?

• The fly should be more careful before approaching the spider's home.

• "Up jumped the cunning spider, and fiercely held her fast."

• The spider invites the fly into his parlor.

• The fly is trapped while using the spider's looking-glass.

What is the primary figuartive language used to reveal the characters to the reader?

• idiom, to use common phrases to describe the characters

• hyperbole, to describe the beauty of the spider and the fly

• personification, to show their characteristics through speaking

• metaphor, to compare the characters to  objects

How does the spider work through his conflict?

• The spider kindly offers dinner to the fly.

• The spider invites the fly to use the looking-glass.

• The spider prepares his web for the fly's return.

• The spider moves on to lure in other insects.

What does the following line reveal to the reader?  "For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

• The stairs are too difficult to climb.

• The spider lives high above the ground.

• The fly cannot travel that high.

• The fly is cautious of the spider.