ASSIGNMENT
BRITISH LITERATURE
Submitted By,
Aswathy C Nair
Roll no:58
Semester :4
B A English
Critical Analysis of Christina Rosettti’s poem
“The Goblin Market”
“Goblin Market” is perhaps the most famous poem of
Christina Rosetti wrote. It is a long narrative Poem about two
sisters Lizzie and Laura. It tells us how Laura succumbs to
temptation and tastes the fruit sold by the Goblins. The poem
has- temptation, fall, redemption and restoration as its
themes.
As embodiments of temptation and evil, the goblins tempt the
virginal maidens with their exotic fruits that embody
forbidden pleasures and desires. The fruits promise rapture
but at a terrible cost. Indeed, Rossetti’s language in
describing these goblin fruits is lush and sensual and mirrors
themes of sexual desire and awakening throughout the poem.
With this imagery, then, Rossetti emphasizes the necessity for
women to reject indulging in sinful pleasures in what seems to
be the Victorians’ ultimate nightmare scenario: should women
yield to temptation and forfeit their purity, disaster will surely
ensue.
Central to the narrative is the bond between Laura and Lizzie
which becomes a strain when Laura succumbs to the goblins’
temptations. Her consumption of the fruit effects physical
changes in her and even more powerfully moral changes, as
she becomes obsessed with getting and consuming more of
the much craved for fruit. In contrast Lizzie refuses to be
tempted by buying or eating their wares. And when she can
bear Laura suffering no longer, Lizzie perseveres through
what reads as an violent assault. The poem certainly seems to
be playing on anxieties concerning female sexuality.
Rossetti’s narrative voice in "Goblin Market" is unique and
riveting. The poem is notable for its rhythmic, musical quality,
akin to that of a ballad or a nursery rhyme.
Rossetti uses refrains and an ababca-bdbdc rhyme scheme
to strengthen the poem’s cast as an old story and to create
the effect of a song that spells out truths. This strategy adds
to the overall appeal of the narrative, but it also serves to
underscore its own thematic concerns with both folklore and
moral lesson.
Feminist critics have been drawn to “Goblin Market” not only
for its exploration of female agency and sisterhood, but also
for what it seems to be saying about Victorian gender roles.
Laura’s and Lizzie’s relationship that we see in the course of
this poem is one that other feminist critics have long
celebrated, as it challenges gendered scripts of passivity and
showcases the power of a mirrored sisterhood against
adversity.
Religious readings have been prevalent in interpretations of
“Goblin Market” as well. Critics have noted a connection
between the allegorical aspects of the poem and Christian
ideas of temptation, redemption, and moral salvation. Lizzie’s
act of self-sacrifice in order to save her sister from
damnation can be seen to parallel Christian notions of the
selfless Christ-figure who suffers trials in order to achieve
spiritual victory.
In closing, it is clear that 'Goblin Market' by Christina Rossetti
is a work of art in Victorian literature which to this day many
people are still intrigued by its rich symbolism, vivid patterns
and massive [Link] closing, it is clear that 'Goblin Market'
by Christina Rossetti is a work of art in Victorian literature
which to this day many people are still intrigued by its rich
symbolism, vivid patterns and massive themes. Through its
exploration of temptation, sisterhood, sexuality, and
redemption, the poem challenges conventional moral and
societal expectations while offering profound insights into
the complexities of human desire and the enduring power of
love and sacrifice. Rossetti’s masterful blending of allegory,
imagery, and narrative structure ensures that "Goblin Market"
retains its relevance and resonance, inviting readers to delve
deeper into its mysteries and uncover new layers of meaning
with each reading.
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