The Flea by John Donne is a metaphysical love poem that takes the form of a humorous and erotic narrative. The predominant theme in this poem is seduction, illustrated using the persuasive conceit of a humble flea. The surprisingly original figure of the flea is used to demonstrate in an unconventional way that the two lovers are already joined in the eyes of God and the Church, since the flea has bitten both their bodies and mixed their blood. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The speaker claims that the flea has actually transformed their two flesh into one, alluding to the sacrament of marriage after which "a man shall leave his father" and mother, and cleave to his wife, and they shall be one flesh." (Genesis 2:24). Taking inspiration from this biblical reference, the suitor attempts to give authoritative substance to his argument. As convincing as the speaker's claims are, his motives are completely transparent as he is attempting to convince his woman that giving up his virginity would be no shame in the sanctified circumstances provided by the flea. The tone of the poem is highly ironic, dramatic and absurd. fun. The extravagant declarations of devotion and eternal fidelity typical of love poetry are absent. Instead, the unorthodox and creative speaker offers philosophical and theological arguments that rest on the absurd authority that their union has already been consummated in the flea's little body. The direct narrative of the poem changes pace over the course of the three stanzas. The first verse is contemplative and whimsical, moving slowly in a rhythm that could be compared to sexual foreplay. Donne uses words like "sucked" and "swell" giving a strong impression of the speaker's sexual desires, even if he is only the flea whose desires are satisfied. The sexual references are particularly evident when you consider that during this period a written 's' closely resembled the letter 'f', making the sentence: 'First he sucked me, and now he sucks you', decidedly obscene. The second stanza is even more delightfully ridiculous when the lady moves to poke the flea and the speaker attempts to convince her of the heinous nature of this action. He declares that in killing the flea she will also be guilty of killing him, guilty of self-murder as well as guilty of "sacrilege" in destroying the sacred union or marital bond which he believes is embodied in the flea. As the reductio ad absurdo of his argument develops, so too does the rhythm of the poem in imitation of the sexual act. Undeterred, the woman kills the insect with a climactic blow, and the flea's "cruel and sudden" death parallels the sexual release often euphemized in the Renaissance as "the little death" or "la petite mort." time similar to a post-coital quiet, in which the speaker reflects on the fate of the flea and during which he completely reverses his argument. Undaunted by the "death" of their union, of himself and his lover, the speaker notes that the flea's untimely demise was of no great consequence after all and he "find neither thyself nor me weaker now." As such, he extrapolates that surely this means that if she were to give up her virginity, they would equally have no consequences greater than the death of the flea. Please note: this is just an example. Get a customized document from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The Flea is a wonderful example of Donne's confident and finely artful application of a bold metaphor that imbues a flea, that least likely of romantic figures, with such importance and high ideals. There.