1595. ‘The Flea’ was probably written around the time when Donne was living as a young man-about-town at the Inns of Court in London.

Why was The Flea written?

In this case a flea and love’s consummation. John Donne wrote this poem when a young man, training to be a lawyer, so many scholars think it was written to impress his male friends. Later on in his life Donne became seriously involved in religion, eventually ending up as dean of St Paul’s cathedral, London, in 1621.

What is the theme of The Flea by John Donne?

The Flea by John Donne is a metaphysical love poem which takes the form of an erotic humorous narrative. The predominant theme in this poem is seduction which is illustrated using a persuasive conceit of a humble flea.