Goblin Market
‘Goblin Market’ is a poem by Rossetti that was composed in
1859 and published in 1862. The poem its self has 567 lines and is Rossetti’s
longest and most scrutinized poem. In general the poem is about a relationship
between two sisters; however in developing a deeper understanding we can denote
that the sisters, Lizzie and Laura, are a metaphor for the conscious and
unconscious thoughts and desires of Victorian women.
Lizzie and Laura, portrayed as sisters, highlight the two
sides to a Victorian woman. Lizzie is a representation of the domestic
depiction women had, and Laura contrasts her sister as she speaks for the
hidden and maybe unconscious desires women had of that time. Lizzie is seen as ‘The
Angel of The Home’ and rather sensible and responsible because ‘She thrust
dimpled finger, In each ear, shut eyes and ran:’ this makes her seem eager to
follow the rules, seeing as they have been told to not see or hear the ‘Goblin
Men.’ Laura is shown as the more rebellious side of the mind-set because “Curious
Laura chose to linger.” This act of choosing to ‘linger’ lets us know that
Laura is easily convinced and could be seen as guilty for being too
inquisitive.
The ’Goblin Market’ is described to be dangerous, it is a place
between day and night, filled with rich fruits that are the epitome of
perfection. The fruits are on platters and are detailed to be full of beauty
and colour, Rossetti’s uses fruits that are all seasoned at different of the
year and grown in different locations, this add to the strange atmosphere set
in this environment. For example “Plump unpecked cherries,” and “Pine-apples,
blackberries,” are all examples of fruits that are seasoned at different times, which add's to the mystical and magical overall theme.
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