Introduction to Christina Rossetti's Goblin Market
Christina Rossetti's Goblin Market is a captivating and richly symbolic narrative poem that has intrigued readers since its publication in 1862. Celebrated for its lyrical beauty, vivid imagery, and complex themes, the poem explores themes of temptation, sacrifice, sisterhood, and redemption within a fantastical setting. Its enduring relevance and layered symbolism have cemented its status as a cornerstone of Victorian literature and a compelling example of Victorian poetry's engagement with moral and social issues.
Overview of the Poem
Summary of the Plot
At its core, Goblin Market tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who encounter goblin merchants selling exotic fruits in a mysterious market. Laura, enticed by the luscious offerings, succumbs to temptation and indulges in the goblin's fruit, which has a powerful, addictive quality. Her subsequent decline symbolizes the destructive nature of temptation and desire.
Lizzie, on the other hand, demonstrates virtue and self-control. When Laura falls ill due to her indulgence, Lizzie bravely ventures to the goblin market to rescue her sister. She endures the goblins' taunts and offers herself in exchange for the fruits, refusing to eat them but instead preserving her integrity. Lizzie's act of sacrifice enables Laura's recovery, symbolizing redemption and the triumph of moral strength over temptation.
Major Themes
- Temptation and Desire: The goblin market symbolizes seductive temptations that threaten moral integrity.
- Victimization and Exploitation: The goblins and their market represent exploitative forces, often interpreted as societal or sexual dangers.
- Female Sisterhood and Loyalty: The bond between Laura and Lizzie underscores themes of familial love and loyalty.
- Redemption and Salvation: Lizzie's self-sacrifice and Laura's repentance highlight themes of moral salvation and renewal.
- Victorian Morality and Gender Roles: The poem reflects Victorian ideals of virtue, purity, and gendered expectations.
Symbolism in Goblin Market
The Goblin Market
The market itself is a powerful symbol representing temptation, commercialism, and the seductive allure of illicit pleasures. Its mysterious, otherworldly nature emphasizes the danger and allure of forbidden desires. The goblins, with their enchanting voices and exotic fruits, symbolize forces that threaten moral safety, often interpreted as sexual temptation or societal vices.
Fruits
The fruits sold by the goblins are laden with symbolic meaning. They are often interpreted as representing temptation, sensuality, or forbidden knowledge. The lusciousness of the fruits captures the allure of pleasure that can lead to downfall. The act of Laura biting into the fruit signifies succumbing to temptation, with subsequent consequences reflecting the dangers of giving in to base instincts.
Sisterhood and Loyalty
The relationship between Laura and Lizzie symbolizes the importance of sisterly love, loyalty, and moral support. Lizzie's selfless act to save her sister underscores the themes of sacrifice and unconditional love, emphasizing the strength of familial bonds in facing moral and societal challenges.
Other Symbols
- Water and Fruit: Water, especially Lizzie's act of washing herself in the stream, symbolizes purification and renewal.
- Flowers and Nature: The natural imagery in the poem often underscores innocence, purity, and vitality, contrasting with the corrupting influence of the goblin market.
Themes and Interpretations
Victorian Morality and Sexuality
Rossetti's Goblin Market is often read as a commentary on Victorian attitudes toward sexuality, morality, and gender roles. The poem's depiction of the goblin market as a place of seduction reflects Victorian anxieties about female virtue, commercial exploitation, and the dangers faced by women in a rapidly changing society.
Feminist Perspectives
Modern readings frequently interpret the poem through a feminist lens, emphasizing the empowerment of women and the significance of sisterhood. Lizzie's courageous act to save Laura can be seen as an assertion of female agency and moral strength. Some scholars view the poem as subtly subverting Victorian ideals by portraying female solidarity as a form of resistance against societal pressures.
Allegory and Religious Symbolism
Many interpret Goblin Market as an allegory of spiritual salvation, with the goblin market representing temptation akin to the biblical Garden of Eden. Lizzie's sacrifice and the subsequent redemption of Laura echo Christian themes of repentance, sacrifice, and divine grace.
Literary Techniques and Style
Use of Language and Imagery
Rossetti employs vivid and sensuous language to evoke the allure of the goblin fruits and the market setting. Her use of alliteration, rhyme, and rhythm enhances the musicality of the poem, making it engaging and memorable. The lush imagery captures the senses and heightens the tension between innocence and temptation.
Structure and Form
The poem is composed in unmetered, flexible lines, often using a combination of lyrical and narrative styles. The rhythmic variations mirror the emotional intensity and thematic shifts within the poem. The structure allows for a lyrical flow that emphasizes moral and symbolic contrasts.
Symbolic Characters
- Laura: Represents innocence, susceptibility to temptation, and moral vulnerability.
- Lizzie: Embodies virtue, strength, and sacrificial love.
- Goblin Men: Symbols of greed, exploitation, and societal vices.
Historical and Cultural Context
Victorian Society
Rossetti wrote during the Victorian era, a time marked by strict social codes, gender roles, and moral expectations. The poem reflects contemporary concerns about female virtue, sexuality, and the dangers posed by modern commercialism. The goblin market can be seen as a critique of the exploitative aspects of Victorian capitalism and morality.
Literary Influences
Rossetti was influenced by Romantic poetry, with its emphasis on nature, emotion, and imagination. The use of fairy-tale elements and allegory aligns with broader Victorian interest in folklore, myth, and moral storytelling. Her brother Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a prominent Pre-Raphaelite painter, also influenced her visual and poetic style.
Legacy and Interpretations
Critical Reception
Initially, Goblin Market received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its lyrical beauty and moral depth, while others found it overly sensual or ambiguous. Over time, it has gained recognition as a pioneering work of Victorian poetry with feminist and allegorical richness.
Influence on Literature and Art
The poem has inspired numerous adaptations, including visual artworks, musical compositions, and literary reinterpretations. Its vivid imagery and symbolic depth continue to influence writers, artists, and scholars.
Modern Relevance
Today, Goblin Market is appreciated not only for its poetic craftsmanship but also for its exploration of themes relevant across ages—temptation, morality, sisterhood, and resilience. Its layered symbolism invites ongoing analysis and reinterpretation, making it a timeless piece of literature.
Conclusion
Christina Rossetti's Goblin Market stands as a remarkable fusion of lyrical beauty, moral allegory, and social commentary. Through its enchanting narrative and rich symbolism, the poem explores complex themes of temptation, virtue, and redemption within a vividly imagined world. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate across generations, inviting readers to reflect on the moral dilemmas, societal pressures, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood that continue to shape human experience. As a masterpiece of Victorian poetry, Goblin Market remains a compelling testament to Rossetti's poetic genius and her profound insight into the human condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christina Rossetti's 'Goblin Market' about?
'Goblin Market' is a narrative poem by Christina Rossetti that explores themes of temptation, sacrifice, and redemption through the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who encounter goblin merchants offering tempting fruit. The poem highlights moral lessons about resisting temptation and the importance of sisterly love.
How does 'Goblin Market' reflect Victorian society's views on morality and gender?
The poem reflects Victorian ideals by emphasizing female virtue, modesty, and the dangers of succumbing to temptation. Laura's fall and Lizzie's rescue symbolize moral purity and the importance of sisterly loyalty, aligning with societal expectations of women's morality during the era.
What are the symbolic meanings behind the goblin men and their fruit in 'Goblin Market'?
The goblin men and their fruit symbolize temptation, desire, and perhaps consumerism or materialism. The fruit represents forbidden pleasures that can lead to downfall but also offers a form of salvation and renewal through Lizzie's courageous act.
Why is 'Goblin Market' considered a feminist or empowering poem?
Many interpret 'Goblin Market' as a feminist work because it highlights female strength, sisterhood, and moral resilience. Lizzie's brave resistance to the goblin's temptations and her role in saving Laura underscore themes of female agency and empowerment.
How has 'Goblin Market' influenced modern literature and art?
'Goblin Market' has inspired numerous adaptations in poetry, visual arts, and theater, often highlighting its themes of temptation, sisterhood, and morality. Its vivid imagery and symbolism continue to resonate, making it a popular subject for reinterpretation and analysis in contemporary culture.
What are some common interpretations of the ending of 'Goblin Market'?
The ending is often seen as a symbol of redemption, renewal, and moral victory. Laura's recovery after her ordeal signifies the possibility of salvation through love and sacrifice, reinforcing the poem's moral and spiritual messages about redemption and the power of sisterly bonds.
