Introduction
The poem “The Flea,” written by John Donne, speaks of seduction in the first place, and it has a symbolic meaning for the described relationship. The name of this piece implies the existing link between the two people that contradicts societal norms; meanwhile, the narrator claims that it is natural and, therefore, should not be approached with prejudice (Donne, n.d.). This viewpoint shows the conflict between one’s desires and common perceptions of appropriateness, and the use of this insect reflects the central idea of violating one’s freedom as opposed to healthy partnerships. Hence, the flea in this work represents an improper basis for marriage, and it leads to adverse consequences for both people by bringing more harm than pleasure.
“The Flea” by John Donne
At the beginning of the poem, the author writes about the alleged benefits of the relationship he offers to a woman while referring to its inevitability. Thus, the lines “And in this flea, our two types of blood mingled be” and “Yet this enjoys before it woos” confirm the intentions of a man to prove that her worries are unreasonable (Donne, n.d.). He states that the connection between the two people is not something to be ashamed of and, consequently, should not be reproached. On the contrary, it should be viewed as a desirable outcome for both of them, and the focus on the bright side of the matter justifies his intentions.
However, the situation starts to shift from positivity to a more negative outlook in the second stanza. In this part, Donne (n.d.) states, “Though parents grudge, and you, we’re met” to demonstrate the first obstacles on the way to the couple’s expectations and happiness they are trying to achieve. In the continuation of the poem, he writes that the circumstances “make you apt to kill me,” and “self-murder added be, And sacrilege, three sins in killing three” (Donne, n.d.). These phrases imply that once the man’s goal is achieved, the probability of happiness becomes low. In other words, he would not have any intentions to marry the woman, thereby causing more trouble.
In the third stanza, the situation becomes more dramatic as Donne states that no responsibility is to be taken by anyone. By saying, “this flea’s death took life from thee,” the poet confirms that the tragic outcome is likely to happen (Donne, n.d.). In this case, the symbolic importance of the insect is supported by its tragic role in people’s fates. Even though it was not shown as something bad from the start, the potential harm implied by this binding element cannot be ignored. As was expected, the series of events described by the author resulted in losing one’s honor (Donne, n.d.). Thus, the story is told through the lens of this symbol that appears to be harmless but happens to be critical for one’s happiness.
Conclusion
To summarize, the flea in Donne’s poem represents improper motivation leading to the violation of societal norms, whereas they have a more solid basis than desires. In the situation of the two lovers, it showed the progression from the alleged possibility of having sexual relationships outside of marriage and their actual adversities. The changes were presented by the varying mood of the first, second, and third stanzas, and it can be described as the transition from the expected pleasure to the understanding of its long-term drawbacks.
References
Donne, J. (n.d.).The flea. Poetry Foundation. Web.