Two English Poems

Paper Summary:

Analysis of two poems on the subject of sex. John Donne's "THE FLEA," and Andrew Marvell's "TO HIS COY MISTRESS." Donne's use of religious imagery and circular argument. Marvell's use of land as a metaphor, and exaggerated imagery. Common subject of male character seeking sexual union with a specific female.

From the Paper:

"The subject of John Donne s The Flea and Andrew Marvell s To His Coy Mistress is the pursuit of elusive sexual congress between consenting adults. In each particular poem, the main character, utilizing the voice of the male gender, seeks union for a night of uncontrollable passion with a specific female object of affection. Donne uses religious imagery within his poem, while Marvell uses the metaphor of land. In Marvell s poem, he likens the lady of his pursuit to the exotic and conquered land of India while the main male character is likened to the less enchanting hills of England near the Humber River. In Donne s poem, his religious imagery may be seen in his use of phrases. Confesse it , one blood made of two (which is also an implication of sex and/or pregnancy because the mother and child are two , the three lives in one flea that is ..."

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