In “Goblin Market”, Christina Rossetti presents ethical tale of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie tempted by evil goblins and their fruit. Ever since the poet published “Goblin Market” in 1862, the poem has been very well respected. At the same time, it has been prominently controversial due to Christian allegory and sensual imagery. Even though the poem was originally composed as simple children’s fairy tale, the audience can certainly grasp the poem biblically and sexually because of Rossetti’s specific and suggestive language.
The biblical reference is undoubtedly presented within the poem. As seen in the description of Lizzie. Lizzie is the Christ figure not only because she sacrifices herself to save her ‘sinful’ sister but also from the way …show more content…
Rossetti depicts Lizzie as “orange-tree” with “White blossoms honey-sweet” (415, 416), representing purity. Sexual imagery appears when the tree is “beset by wasp and bee” (417), as goblins or bees are trying to sting and pollinate the innocent tree. The author assembles another image in the poem of “royal virgin town,” (418) which relates to Lizzie’s innocence and virginity. Rossetti focuses on goblins as “fleet” attempting to “tug her standard down” (420,421). Through the figurative comparisons, the author clearly depicts debauchery goblins. As a result, the poem inevitably develops sexual overtones.
Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market” undeniably contains allegory of bible and sexuality by way of the poet’s explicit and suggestive language in the pretext of children’s fairy tale. The poem is still contentious. One may conclude it is fairy tale or cross-audience poem. Nonetheless, it is truly beloved literature over generations. That is because Rossetti’s allegorical descriptions and figurative comparisons provide immense detail in poem. Perhaps, the poem would not be as powerful as it is without Christian allegory and sexual
The biblical reference is undoubtedly presented within the poem. As seen in the description of Lizzie. Lizzie is the Christ figure not only because she sacrifices herself to save her ‘sinful’ sister but also from the way …show more content…
Rossetti depicts Lizzie as “orange-tree” with “White blossoms honey-sweet” (415, 416), representing purity. Sexual imagery appears when the tree is “beset by wasp and bee” (417), as goblins or bees are trying to sting and pollinate the innocent tree. The author assembles another image in the poem of “royal virgin town,” (418) which relates to Lizzie’s innocence and virginity. Rossetti focuses on goblins as “fleet” attempting to “tug her standard down” (420,421). Through the figurative comparisons, the author clearly depicts debauchery goblins. As a result, the poem inevitably develops sexual overtones.
Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market” undeniably contains allegory of bible and sexuality by way of the poet’s explicit and suggestive language in the pretext of children’s fairy tale. The poem is still contentious. One may conclude it is fairy tale or cross-audience poem. Nonetheless, it is truly beloved literature over generations. That is because Rossetti’s allegorical descriptions and figurative comparisons provide immense detail in poem. Perhaps, the poem would not be as powerful as it is without Christian allegory and sexual