Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in addition to the more obvious themes such as girls should not talk to strange men, Christina Rossetti's poem "Goblin Market" is an allegory on sexual morality. The paper describes the ways that the poem puts an emphasis on maidenhood as a code of behavior, which is violated when Laura eats the goblin fruit. The paper also relates that the contrasts between violent and erotic imagery with more moderate balanced images are meant to show the dangers of temptation and of decadent passions.

From the Paper:

"Rossetti's use of multiple similes creates a lasting impression of Lizzie's strength and purity. The string of references creates a sense of time and endurance. Lizzie is compared to solid structures like rocks, beacons, trees, and towns, while the goblins are disturbing masses of water, wasps, bees, or fleets of ships. This section is full of virginal colors: gold and white, to describe Lizzie. For example, "golden Lizzie", and "white with blossoms honey-sweet". Lizzie is like a symbolic Christ figure, nobly sacrificing herself to save her sister Laura from her sin."

More papers on Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market":

• Poem Review # 107161 : "Christina Georgina Rossetti's Poem "Goblin Market"
• Poem Review # 27897 : "The Theme of Death in Poems by Christina Rossetti"
• Research Paper # 91980 : "Poetry by Christina Rossetti "

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