The Flea

Why were fleas seen as an erotic symbol in the 16th and 17th century?

It was believed at the time that sex involved an exchange of blood, fleas associated with appetite and access. Fleas were often used in contemporary poetry as a sexual innuendo, after the imagery had been popularised by Ovid

What is the conceit in this poem, what movement is this device typical of?

The idea that since their blood had mingled in the flea, they had essentially already had sex so might as well do it again. Metaphysical

What kind of poem is this in terms of movement?

metaphysical

When was the poem published/probably written, significance?

Published postumously in 1630s, probably written in 1590s. Aligns with the “carpe diem” ideology that was prevalent at the time. Also could bring in Eliz I as context - was likely written during her reign, during which ideas of virginity were more prominent given her image as the Virgin Queen

How does this poem differ from the rest of the anthology/typical love poetry?

Takes a more liberal approach to love, focusing almost entirely on sex rather than any of their lover’s attributes or anything (e.g. sharp contrast between SWIB). By putting the emphasis on their exchange of blood in the flea, the speaker could be seen as reducing sex to simply an exchange of fluids

Rhyme scheme of the poem and significance

Rhyming couplets then a rhyming triplet at the end. Rhyming triplet could be seen as reflecting the three entities that the speaker argues are part of the relationship - him, his love and the flea.