Religious Symbolism In Carroll's The Goblin Market

Almost every book and poem written has different interpretations and can be read to many different audiences. According to Galt, “Poets and authors have produced numerous works that seem meant for children to read.” Galt gives the example of the famous book written by Lewis Carroll, Alice. “It might seem as though they are nothing more than fantastical accounts of the events of a little girls life, but different forms of criticism have allowed us to investigate the possibilities of what Carroll’s books might actually suggest, which are much more complex adult themes” (Galt 79). The same goes for the poem written by Christina Rossetti, “Goblin Market.” Many believe it was written as a cautionary tale for children however, it also has religious symbolisms embedded in the poem. The Goblin Market is a religious poem because it references temptation, sin, suffering, confession, and redemption. The first reference made from the religious perspective is concept of dealing with temptation and forbidden fruit being eaten when an authority figure cautions them about it. In the Bible, the story of Adam and Eve is based on the eating of …show more content…
According to Galt, Lizzie can be seen as a Christ figure in the poem. From the start of the poem she warns Laura about the dangers of the fruit and the goblin men. However, she ignores and now needs to be saved by Lizzie. God is the same way. People do not pay attention to the warnings he places in front of them. He then comes to save people from their pain and suffering. Lizzie is similar. To save Laura she has to risk her safety for her. “The main reason why Lizzie is thought to be a Christ figure is the fact that she makes a huge sacrifice for her sister in order to save her life, for she goes to see the goblin men one night in an attempt to buy some of their fruit to give to her sister” (Galt 87). In the poem the acts done to Lizzie are