Question

Comparative study of -


Frog and the Nightingale

Spider and the Fly

Answer 1

Both the poems are similar to some extent. In both of them innocent victims are exploited by the much cleverer adversaries. But that is the only similarity. In 'The Frog And The Nightingale' the frog tortures the nightingale out of professional jealousy. When the nightingale starts singing in the jungle, she is applauded by all the creatures of the jungle. Seeing that she is becoming popular very fast, the frog plans to nip her budding career. He presents himself as a trainer and criticises her singing expertise. He offers his services as a trainer which the innocent nightingale happily accepts. On the pretext of training, he tortures her and makes her practise long hours in the rain. This results in her death, thus clearing the way for the frog's success. 
In 'The Spider And The Fly' the exploitation is not due to professional jealousy but because of hunger. The spider likes to eat flies and wants to trap one of them. He invites the fly to come and see his house and plans to grab her then. The fly resists for some time, knowing that the spider may trap her. But the spider flatters her and his continuos pressure makes the fly give in.