Context on The Flea Flashcards
What type of poem is The Flea?
A metaphysical poem.
What did they believe about sex during the Renaissance?
That the two partners’ blood is mixing during sex. It was also seen as being honourable for men to have sex.
When was the poem written and published?
Written in the 1590s, but not published until 1633, after John Donne’s death.
How might the poem be linked to Elizabeth I?
Elizabeth was known as the Virgin Queen, never marrying and devoting herself to a life of chastity. She instead focused on the state, and caused upset in the patriarchal society.
What poetry was popular at the time and why?
Love poetry and sonnets were very popular, as this was a peaceful age after decades of political turmoil.
John Donne’s Upbringing
He was born into a prosperous Roman Catholic family. He then studied at Oxford and Cambridge, but did not graduate from either.
John Donne’s Later Life
He then converted to Protestantism and became Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral. He became known for his eloquent, powerful sermons. His poetry was not widely known, only showing it to his friends.
Metaphysical
Beyond the physical, asking questions, concerned with the abstract or the philosophical.
What poets were relevant metaphysical poets?
John Donne, George Herbert, Andrew Marvell etc.
What were some characteristics of metaphysical poetry?
Paradoxes, puns, conceits, religious imagery, intellectual thought, scientific, medical, or legal imagery, and colloquial language.
