Research Paper on:
'The Flea' by John Donne, Meaning and Metaphor

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was more important than social prominence, and whose writing reflected the gender bias of their century. Donnes use of metaphor and language establish the ways in which he sees connections,  romantic and meaningful, in even the most commonplace of circumstances. Bibliography lists 3 sources. BWflea.rtf Metaphor and Meaning in "The Flea"  By: C.B. Rodgers - November 2001 -- for more information on using this paper properly! Introduction John Donne (1572-1631), English poet, writer,  and clergyman, has come to be considered as the greatest of the metaphysical poets and one of the greatest writers of the poetry of love. Donne belonged to a group  of writers for whom personal passion was more important than social prominence, and whose writing reflected the gender bias of their century. As such, his attitudes about the opposite sex,  society, measures of beauty, and language provide a relatively constant leit-motif throughout his poetry. In fact, throughout most of Donnes poetry, readers can easily see his opinions toward the traditional  attitudes governing marriage and relationships as a means to consolidate wealth and prestige. Donnes poems can certainly be appreciated for their vivid imagery and emotional intensity alone, but by considering  the social context that they grew out of and how they address it, a whole new level of meaning enriches the passions and highlights the transcendence of his works. All  of these factors should be considered, even when he writes about something as apparently mundane as a flea. "The Flea" Despite the title, "The Flea" is undeniably a love poem.  Donnes unique ability to weave the esoteric between the lines of what is quintessentially ordinary is an example of his ability to instill meaning between ("meta") the physical planes of