Who wrote the poem and when?
- John Donne
- Posthumously published 1633
When was this poet active?
Renaissance; Elizabeth I/James I: time of great travel, exploration, & discovery.
What was the poet’s religion?
Born into recusant Roman Catholic family at time it was illegal (Reformation). Later converted to Protestantism and became Dean of St. Paul’s in 1621
When was the poet born and when did he die?
- Born in 1572
- Died in 1631
What was the poet known for in his time?
Known as eloquent, emotional preacher- better known for his sermons than poems.
Who did the poet write his poems for?
Private audience; circulated amongst his friends.
What is the poet known as today?
The pre-eminent representative of the metaphysical poets.
What type of movement was John Donne a part of?
Metaphysical- a group of poets active in the early 17th century; not a cohesive movement, but a retrospective name given by later critics e.g. Samuel Johnson.
What type of topics did metaphysical poets cover?
- Morality
- Love
- Religion
- Often included modern advancements in scientific and cartographical discovery
What type of poetry did the metaphysical poets create?
Unique, yet humorous; witty comparisons through simile & metaphor
Specific features of metaphysical poetry according to Helen Gardner- The reader
- Reader must pay close attention to the line of argument as poem demands both thought and feeling from the reader
Specific features of metaphysical poetry according to Helen Gardner- The structure
- Structured around argument and persuasion
- Verse form is often restrictive, in which words/thoughts are compressed
- Conceit- extreme comparison which seems unlikely.
Were poems about fleas popular at the time of writing the poem?
Ribald love poems on fleas proliferated in 16th century- poet commonly envied flea’s free access to mistress’ body, or death by her hand at climax of its bliss- loved how audacious it was.
Define audacious
- Taking bold risks
- Showing a lack of respect
What were sexual politics like at the time the poem was written?
When sexual behaviour is discussed in the docs of the period it is most commonly in reference to marriage: ‘As far as the business of courtship and sexual initiation was concerned…the male… would be expected to take the lead
