The Flea meaning and language Flashcards
Meaning of the poem
The speaker tries to seduce a woman by saying she is already ruined as a flea has mingled their bloods.
Title
Unusual for a love poem
Subtly plays against our expectations as expect it to be about an insect
Loves presented
sexual desire
lust
What technique is the flea?
conceit
Effect of the conceit in terms of context
Flea is taboo as sex was in Elizabethan period
European tradition of insects swarming the necks and underskirts of ladies exciting male observer
Effect of conceit
Sex was believed to be the mingling of bloods which is what the flea does
‘Three lives in one flea’ technique
Allusion
Effect of allusion
A flea contrasts with the sacred holy trinity so ironic
Making his lover feel guilty saying killing the flea is sacrilege
‘Our marriage bed and our marriage temple’ technique
repetition
Effect of repetition
Places emphasis on marriage
Stresses that it is their marriage and their reality despite it being unlikely they will get married due to her parents objections
Shows his delusional nature
