1. Wit and Religious Imagery in John Donne's
Wit and Religious Imagery in "The Flea" In his funny little poem "The Flea," John Donne merges wit with religious imagery in an attempt to convince a woman to sleep with him. ... Donne chastises her by saying she has "Purpled thy nail in blood of innocence" (line 20), which brings up images of Christ's crucifixion. ... Through a clever amalgamation of wit and religious imagery, Donne uses the notion of an insignificant little flea in a farfetched attempt at premarital sex. Donne's use of religious imagery makes it seem almost heretical for the woman not to sleep with him. ...
- Word Count: 472
- Approx Pages: 2
- Grade Level: Undergraduate