Christina Rossetti Goblin Market Analysis

Christina Rossetti's poem "Goblin Market" is a masterful exploration of themes, symbolism, and psychological insights that have captivated readers since its publication in 1862. This poem, with its rich and evocative language, delves into the complexities of female experience, desire, and the human condition, making it a foundational work in the canon of Victorian literature. Through a nuanced analysis of its imagery, character development, and the societal context in which it was written, "Goblin Market" reveals itself to be a work of profound depth and relevance, even to contemporary audiences.

Nature of Desire and the Female Experience

The poem centers around two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, and their encounters with goblin merchants who sell exotic fruits. These fruits serve as a metaphor for the temptations and desires that the sisters face, with Laura succumbing to the allure of the fruits and Lizzie resisting. This dichotomy between the sisters allows Rossetti to explore the complexities of female desire and the societal constraints placed upon women during the Victorian era. Laura’s consumption of the fruit symbolizes the transgressive nature of female desire, which was seen as a threat to the social order. In contrast, Lizzie’s refusal to eat the fruit represents the societal expectation of female purity and restraint.

The Role of the Goblin Merchants

The goblin merchants, with their seductive calls and offerings of forbidden fruit, embody the external forces that seek to exploit and corrupt female innocence. They represent the dangers that women faced in a society where their desires and autonomy were strictly controlled. The goblins’ fruit, which is both alluring and destructive, symbolizes the double-edged nature of desire, which can bring both pleasure and suffering. Through the characters of the goblin merchants, Rossetti critiques the societal structures that commodify female bodies and desires, highlighting the power dynamics at play in the suppression of female autonomy.

Societal Context and the Victorian Era

The Victorian era, with its rigid social norms and moral codes, provides the backdrop against which “Goblin Market” was written. The poem reflects and challenges the societal attitudes towards women, sexuality, and desire that were prevalent during this time. Rossetti’s work was part of a larger literary movement that sought to question and subvert these norms, offering a feminist critique of the patriarchal society. By exploring themes of female desire, autonomy, and the consequences of transgression, “Goblin Market” contributes to a nuanced understanding of the Victorian era’s social and moral landscape.

Psychological Insights and Character Development

The psychological depth of the characters in “Goblin Market” is a testament to Rossetti’s skill as a poet. The complex and often contradictory nature of human desire is reflected in the characters of Laura and Lizzie, who embody different aspects of the female experience. The poem’s exploration of the inner lives of its characters, particularly the emotional and psychological struggles they face, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. This character development not only enriches the poem’s themes but also provides insight into the human condition, making “Goblin Market” a work of enduring relevance.

Through its rich imagery, complex characters, and nuanced exploration of themes, "Goblin Market" stands as a significant work in literary history. Its relevance extends beyond the Victorian era, offering insights into the universal human struggles with desire, autonomy, and the societal expectations that shape our experiences. As a work of literature, "Goblin Market" continues to captivate readers with its depth, complexity, and profound exploration of the human condition.