Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Entomology, Cruelty, Instinct, Design, Endeavour, Morality, Anthropomorphism

    The narrator describes his or her moralizing musings on observing a spider. Questioning the supposed cruelty of the spider, the narrator contrasts it with the cruelty of children to flies. He or she observes the design evinced by the form of the spider, and notes that 'wisdom was displayed in the formation of this little creature, and power and goodness' (266). The perseverance of the spider is made an example, as is its skill. Further morals concern the 'mischievous' purpose of the spider's web and the thoughtlessness of the flies caught by it (267).