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.

Answered by Charlie F. English tutor

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