Poetry - The Flea

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

Peaceful period under reign of Queen Elizabeth

Question 2

Key points

Answer 2

• Metaphysical poetry
• Emphasis on sexual intimacy

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Regular and ordered rhyme scheme lends itself to the idea of argument and persuasion employed by the speaker

Question 4

Key quotations

Answer 4

“Mark but this flea” / “How little that which thou deniest me is”

• Mitigating the severity of sexual intimacy, reductionistic tone gives a sense of entitlement from the male figure

“Nay more than married are” / “Our marriage bed and marriage temple”

• Repetition of marriage serves to lessen the severity of their actions, establish a sense of connection and romantic connection between the pair to justify their sexual interactions

“Just so much honor, when thou yield’st to me”

• Sense of sacrifice in order to appeal to male desire