In 'The Flea' how does the poet present the speaker's attitudes towards relationships?

Intro - Introduce the poet (John Donne), text and context of the time (16th century). Introduce your line of argument (i.e. The speaker is going against Christianity's expectations of what a relationship should be) and LINK BACK to question.1 - Use of structure and rhyme scheme - are they significant? (AABBCCDDD rhyme scheme, three stanzas of nine lines each).2- Use of language - 'sucks', 'blood', 'sin', 'innocence' - the connotations of these words. These relate to sexual intercourse, loss of virginity/innocence, how does God view these acts?3 - Imagery -Religious imagery - God's view versus the Speaker's view on relationships. Virginity is sacred, link to the Virgin Mary as a religious symbol. 'Loss of maidenhead', 'marriage bed' and 'marriage temple' all relate to religion. Does the Speaker think he is above God?Imagery of the Flea - 'two bloods mingled be' 'sucked first' 'flea's death' - the Flea has been used as an analogy/excuse for sexual intercourse - but why? Connotations of dirt, filth, low-life - why has Donne done this?Conclusion - What is Donne's main message? How has this been made through the points made in the essay? Does this agree/disagree with your argument? Always relate your conclusion and argument back to the question.

CF
Answered by Charlie F. English tutor

3351 Views

See similar English GCSE tutors

Related English GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explore how Carol Ann Duffy presents the fragility of love in ‘Betrothal’, and make connections with one or two other poems from your collection.


How do I structure a paragraph for Shakespeare (e.g. Macbeth) in English Literature Paper 1?


How is the theme of responsibility explored by J.B Priestley in 'An Inspector Calls'?


How is love presented in Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 29 'I think of thee'?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning