The Flea, Context and philosophical points Flashcards
When was the Flea written?
1590
-Published in 1633
What did Jhon Donne Study?
He was studying law, likely the reason the poem is constructed like an argument.
What Religious figure did Jhon Donne later become?
The dean of saint Paul.
-The poem would have been considered very blasphemous at the time.
-Possible the poem is totally tongue and cheek.
What was the Religious situation in 1590’s England?
-Only a few decades after the protestant reformation.
-Protestantism was particularly conservative at the time.
-very restrictive.
-Very strict and prominent in society.
-heretics still received the death penalty.
What were the views on sex it 1590’s England?
-Sex had to be within marriage.
-Sex outside of marriage was a sin.
What type of Poet was Jhon Donne?
Metaphysical poet.
What are the features of Metaphysical poems?
Metaphysical poetry is marked by the use of conceits or intriguing/unconventional metaphors to illustrate a point.
-Unusual rhyming schemes.
-ambiguous humor and double entendre.
What Philosophical points could Donne be making in this poem?
-Questioning/challenging the idea of no sex outside of marriage.
-Making the point that sex is natural, happens all the time in nature, it is just the mixture of fluids, such as in the Flea.
-The Flea is still gods creation, and is beautiful and holy, and if it represents sex outside of marriage, then that to is Gods creation and is ok.
-Juxtaposes the significant with the insignificant.
What is a major theme in Donne’s Poems?
-The tension between physical desire and religious righteouness.
