the flea

Here are some pictures we used in the video Darsi, April and I made for the interpretation of our poem The Flea by John Donne which is actually a project by the goddess professor Jhoanna Cruz last semester under British Literature I:

 

Now, we’re taking up British Literature II under another John–John Bengan. It’s obviously a level 2 of the course but the way it was taught was way different. Both are actually good teachers.

John Donne’s The Flea is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, of all of his poems. It is a metaphysical poem which makes use of a metaphysical conceit. A conceit is like a metaphor or more likely a comparison between to objects or ideas that would seem awkward at first glance. Take for instance in The Flea, Donne made a conceit of between the flea and marriage. Or the flea and love perhaps. Or virginity, I’d daresay.

Professor De Ungria casually remarked that it’s quite easy to make conceits. You just have to think of two unlikely things to be connected and connect them with perfect sense. Yes, I thought “Easy for him to say, he’s a famous poet already” but then again, it made me think. I really am hoping to join the Dumaguete National Writers Workshop this summer. Why not try it, right? I like metaphysical poetry.

I don’t think I can give you a close reading of The Flea. I’d rather have you figure out the meaning of the poem. Yeah, I know I’m such a kill-joy. But on the contrary, you might actually thank me for letting you enjoy the feeling of having to figure out Donne’s poem by yourself.

Trust me, it’s an exhilarating experience.

Tags: british literature, conceit, donne, flea, metaphysical