Goblin Market is a narrative poem by Christina Rossetti, first published in 1862. The poem tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who encounter goblin merchants selling exotic fruits. Laura succumbs to temptation and eats the fruits, while Lizzie resists. The poem has been interpreted in various ways, with many scholars viewing it as an allegory for temptation, sin, and redemption.
The poem’s themes of temptation, desire, and redemption have made it a popular subject of literary analysis. Many scholars have interpreted the poem as a critique of Victorian society’s attitudes towards women and sexuality. Others have viewed it as a Christian allegory, with the goblins representing the devil and the fruits representing sin. Regardless of its interpretation, the poem’s vivid imagery and haunting melodies have made it a beloved work of literature that continues to captivate readers today.
Historical Context of ‘Goblin Market’
Christina Rossetti’s ‘Goblin Market‘ was published in 1862, during the Victorian era, a time when there were strict rules and expectations about sexuality. Women were expected to be weak, innocent, and naive with little to no sexual appetite or inclinations. However, the poem subverts these expectations by portraying two sisters, Lizzie and Laura, who are tempted by the goblin men’s fruit and their sensual allure.
The poem’s allegory can also be interpreted as a commentary on the Victorian era’s consumer culture, where people were encouraged to indulge in materialistic desires. The goblin men’s fruit can be seen as a metaphor for consumer goods, which are marketed to people with promises of pleasure and satisfaction.
Furthermore, ‘Goblin Market’ can be understood as a critique of the patriarchal society of the Victorian era. The poem’s female protagonists, Lizzie and Laura, are depicted as strong and independent, defying the norms of their time. They reject the goblin men’s advances and ultimately save each other from their temptations.
In conclusion, ‘Goblin Market’ is a complex poem that can be interpreted in many ways. Its historical context in the Victorian era sheds light on the societal norms and expectations that Rossetti was challenging through her allegory.
Overview of ‘Goblin Market’
“Goblin Market” is a narrative poem written by Christina Rossetti, first published in 1862. The poem tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who hear the calls of goblin merchants selling exotic fruits. Laura is tempted and buys the fruit, but after consuming it, she becomes ill and weak. Lizzie, who was not tempted, goes to the goblin market to buy more fruit for her sister, but the goblin men refuse to sell to her.
The poem is an allegory that explores themes of temptation, desire, and the consequences of giving in to temptation. The goblin men represent temptation and the fruit represents the pleasures of the flesh. The poem can be interpreted as a warning against giving in to temptation and the dangers of succumbing to vice.
Rossetti’s use of vivid imagery and symbolism adds to the overall impact of the poem. The poem is also notable for its use of repetition and rhyme, which contribute to its musical quality.
Overall, “Goblin Market” is a complex and thought-provoking work that continues to captivate readers over a century after its initial publication.
The Allegory of Temptation
Temptation and Desire
Goblin Market is a complex poetic allegory that explores the theme of sexual temptation. The poem is about two sisters, Lizzie and Laura, who are tempted by the goblin men to buy their fruits. The goblin men are described as having “evil eyes” and “twisted lips” that make them appear untrustworthy. Despite this, Laura is drawn to the goblin men’s fruits, which are described as “juicy and sweet.” The fruits represent sexual desire, and Laura’s desire for them symbolizes her sexual awakening.
Resistance to Temptation
Lizzie, on the other hand, resists the temptation to buy the goblin men’s fruits. She warns Laura about the dangers of eating the fruits and tells her to resist temptation. Lizzie’s resistance to temptation represents the importance of self-control and the ability to resist peer pressure. The poem suggests that resisting temptation is not easy, but it is necessary to avoid the consequences of giving in to temptation.
Overall, Goblin Market’s allegory of temptation is a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to sexual desire. The poem encourages readers to resist temptation and exercise self-control in order to avoid the negative consequences of giving in to temptation.
The Allegory of Sisterhood
Sisterly Love and Sacrifice
One of the central themes of Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market” is sisterhood. The poem presents a powerful allegory of the bond between sisters, illustrating the lengths to which they will go to protect and care for one another. The two sisters, Lizzie and Laura, are depicted as inseparable and devoted to each other, even in the face of danger.
The poem shows how sisterly love can be a source of strength and comfort, even in the darkest of times. Lizzie’s willingness to risk her own safety to save her sister from the goblin men is a powerful example of this. The poem suggests that sisterly love is a force that can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.
Feminine Solidarity
Another important aspect of the allegory of sisterhood in “Goblin Market” is feminine solidarity. The poem portrays women as united in their struggle against the forces of temptation and corruption. The goblin men represent the dangers of a world that seeks to exploit and objectify women, but the women of the poem are shown to be resilient and resourceful in the face of this threat.
The poem suggests that women can find strength in their shared experiences and struggles. By standing together, they can resist the pressures of a patriarchal society and assert their own agency and autonomy. The allegory of sisterhood in “Goblin Market” thus becomes a powerful statement of feminist solidarity and resistance.
The Allegory of Consumerism
The Market as a Metaphor
One of the most prominent interpretations of “Goblin Market” is that it serves as an allegory for consumerism. In the poem, the goblin men lure the young women with their enticing fruits, which can be seen as a metaphor for the materialistic desires that drive consumerism. The market, therefore, can be seen as a symbol of the capitalist economy, where individuals are constantly tempted by the allure of material goods.
Critique of Victorian Economics
Furthermore, “Goblin Market” can be seen as a critique of Victorian economics, which emphasized individualism and self-interest. The poem highlights the dangers of succumbing to one’s desires, as Laura does when she eats the forbidden fruit. By doing so, she becomes addicted to the goblin men’s fruits and is forced to pay a hefty price for her indulgence.
The poem can therefore be read as a warning against the dangers of unchecked capitalism, which can lead to a society that is driven solely by materialistic desires. By portraying the consequences of Laura’s actions, Rossetti encourages readers to reflect on the true cost of their own desires and to consider the impact of consumerism on society as a whole.
The Allegory of Addiction
Fruit as an Addictive Substance
One of the most prominent interpretations of Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market” is that it is an allegory for addiction. In the poem, the goblin men are portrayed as pushers, tempting the two sisters, Lizzie and Laura, with their luscious and exotic fruits. The fruits are described in vivid detail, and their intoxicating effects on those who consume them are made clear. This portrayal of the fruits as an addictive substance is a clear indication of the poem’s allegorical nature.
Consequences of Indulgence
Just like in real life, indulging in addiction has severe consequences in “Goblin Market”. Laura, unable to resist the temptation of the goblin fruit, falls into a state of addiction. Her obsession with the fruit leaves her unable to think of anything else, and she becomes emaciated and weak. Her sister Lizzie, on the other hand, resists the temptation and is able to save Laura by bringing her the juice of the goblin fruit, which acts as a sort of antidote.
This aspect of the poem serves as a warning about the dangers of addiction. It shows that indulging in addictive substances can lead to a downward spiral, and that it is important to resist temptation in order to avoid the negative consequences. The allegorical nature of “Goblin Market” makes it a powerful tool for conveying this message, and its vivid imagery and compelling story make it a timeless classic.
Religious Symbolism in “Goblin Market”
Christian Imagery
“Goblin Market” by Christina Rossetti is a poem that contains several religious symbols. The poem is often read as an allegory of the Christian faith. The poem’s use of Christian imagery is evident in the portrayal of Laura as a Christ-like figure. Laura’s redemption and salvation are depicted in the poem through her willingness to sacrifice herself for her sister’s well-being. The poem also contains several references to the Garden of Eden, which symbolizes the fall of humanity.
Redemption and Salvation
The poem’s central theme of redemption and salvation is also a significant religious symbol in “Goblin Market.” The poem’s message is that redemption and salvation are possible through sacrifice and selflessness. Laura’s redemption and salvation come at a great cost, as she is willing to sacrifice herself for her sister’s well-being. This act of selflessness is seen as a Christ-like sacrifice, which ultimately leads to Laura’s redemption and salvation.
In conclusion, “Goblin Market” is a poem that contains several religious symbols, including Christian imagery and the theme of redemption and salvation. These symbols are used to convey the poem’s central message of sacrifice and selflessness, which leads to redemption and salvation.
Gender Roles and Feminism
Victorian Gender Expectations
In Christina Rossetti’s Goblin Market, the roles of women are limited by the societal expectations of Victorian England. The poem depicts the two sisters, Lizzie and Laura, as being confined to their domestic duties and not being allowed to explore the world outside of their home. The goblin men represent the temptations that are forbidden to women in the Victorian era, and Laura’s fall into temptation is a reflection of the societal consequences of straying from prescribed gender roles.
Empowerment and Independence
Despite the limitations imposed by Victorian gender expectations, Goblin Market also portrays themes of empowerment and independence for women. Lizzie’s refusal to give in to the goblin men’s temptations and her determination to save her sister demonstrate the strength and resilience of women. Additionally, the poem’s focus on sisterhood and female relationships highlights the importance of women supporting and uplifting each other in a patriarchal society.
Overall, Goblin Market serves as a commentary on the restrictive gender roles of Victorian England and the potential for women to break free from these limitations and assert their independence and agency.
Critical Reception and Interpretations
Initial Reception
Upon its publication in 1862, Christina Rossetti’s Goblin Market was met with mixed reviews. While some praised the poem’s vivid imagery and lyrical beauty, others criticized its overtly sexual themes and allusions. Many Victorian readers were uncomfortable with the poem’s depiction of female desire and its suggestion of lesbian love. However, despite the controversy, the poem quickly gained popularity and has since become one of Rossetti’s most famous works.
Modern Perspectives
In recent years, Goblin Market has been the subject of much critical analysis and interpretation. Some scholars have focused on the poem’s religious symbolism, arguing that the goblin fruits represent the forbidden fruit of the Bible and that the poem is a cautionary tale about the dangers of temptation. Others have emphasized the poem’s feminist themes, pointing to the strong female characters and the subversion of traditional gender roles. Still, others have read the poem as an allegory for addiction, with the goblin fruits representing drugs or other addictive substances.
Despite the many different interpretations of Goblin Market, one thing is clear: the poem continues to captivate readers and inspire new insights and perspectives. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Rossetti’s skill as a poet and her ability to create a work that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.