Literary Sphere

An In-depth Analysis of John Donne's "The Flea" Introduction John Donne's "The Flea" is a quintessential example of metaphysical poetry, characterized by its use of a surprising and unconventional conceit, intellectual wit, and intricate argumentation. Written in the early 17th century, this poem explores themes of love, seduction, and physical union through the extended metaphor of a flea that has bitten both the speaker and his beloved. Structure and Form "The Flea" is composed of three nine-line stanzas with an AABBCCDDD rhyme scheme. Each stanza concludes with a rhyming triplet, reinforcing the argument's final point. The poem's meter is primarily iambic tetrameter, giving it a rhythmic and almost conversational quality that complements the persuasive tone of the speaker. Summary and Analysis ⚫ Stanza 1: The Flea as a Metaphor for Union In the first stanza, the speaker introduces the flea as the central conceit, noting that ...