In “the Flea” by John Donne, we are told the story of a flea that has bitten the poem’s speaker, which leads to the issue of whether or not the two characters will take their attractions to the ultimate physical level; premarital sex. The flea was used as an erotic symbol. One of the techniques of “the Flea” is that Donne writes the poem so that it can be read in two ways. One of direct meaning, and the other hidden between the lines about the already mentioned premarital sex.
On line 10 of stanza 2, Donne wrote “three lives in one flea spare.” He is essentially saying that the flea contains the flea’s fluids represent both he, his lover, and the flea itself. To confirm this understanding of that metaphor, we can see on line 12 when Donne wrote “the flea is you and I.” This proves my initial understanding of this poem. Through this poem, we are able to see the powerful use of symbolism in the eyes of the fly. The subject of a “flea” was typically used in these times to represent love, so this is a great insight the past and its reoccurring themes.
Wow, that's a really mature analysis of the poem. Great work, Keith. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThe speaker is saying that the flea represents him, his lover, and the flea. I think the flea also represent the actual act of sex.
ReplyDeleteI took this poem to mean that the blending of their bodily fluids was a sin-free way for the speaker and lover to be together without premarital sex. The speaker talked about his lover not losing her "maidenhead," or virginity and that the fleas sharing of body fluids was "more than we would do."
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to look at it from the perspective of temptation, though. It's almost like he feels guilty for even having erotic thoughts at all.
I definitely felt that it was more a poem of seduction than one that suggested an alternative to sex. He seems insanely jealous of the flea. And it has persuasion painted all over it.
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