The Flea

"The Flea" is a poem by John Donne that uses the metaphor of a flea to explore themes of love and seduction. In the poem, the speaker compares their romantic relationship to a flea that has bitten both him and his beloved, symbolizing their union. He argues that since their blood is now mingled inside the flea, they are already connected and should not worry about their virtue or social boundaries. The poem cleverly uses the flea as a playful but persuasive device to argue for intimacy, highlighting wit and the power of language in love.