In this poem, Donne uses a "metaphysical conceit," or extended metaphor. The poem's speaker attempts to woo his beloved by comparing their relationship to the actions of a flea.
Here are links to our lists for other poems by John Donne: "The Canonization", "A Valediction Forbidding Mourning", "Song: Go and catch a falling star", "Death, be not proud", "The Sun Rising"
Whether you’re a teacher or a learner,
Vocabulary.com can put you or your class
on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.