Michelle Watts
10-22-2017
English Literature since 1800
Second Essay Assignment
The Layers of “Goblin Market”
Does great art make you feel or make you think? John Ruskin and Walter Pater have different approaches when it comes to art appreciation. The argument by Ruskin is that great art is “received by a higher faculty of the mind” and Pater is convinced that art “is the aim of the true student of aesthetics”. Not only are both schools of thought are correct but must work together to create a great piece of art. Christina Rossetti’s poem “Goblin Market” accomplishes both modes of perception, emotional and intellectual, making the poem an exemplary prototype of an effective piece of art. Thought and feeling compliment …show more content…
There is an intent of the poet to convey a message; the statement can be argued, some believe the poem is a dedication to the divine—Laura has fallen from grace into the clutches of temptation and evil, while her Lizzie acts as a pseudo Jesus and sacrifices herself to save her sister—while other interpretations claim that the poem is a work of female power—the importance of sisterly bonds, breaking away from status quo from damsel to savior, and taking control of female sexuality. The work prompts the reader to ask questions and raises debate of Rossetti’s intention. So much so, that a poem written in 1859 by a woman is still relevant today. It is as if “Goblin Market” has given us on our fruit to bite into. Beautiful at its first bite but quickly exposes something about ourselves, leaving a bittersweet taste in our …show more content…
“Goblin Market” is a story about sisterhood but it is also a story of redemption and self-sacrifice. You can look at the bond between Lizzie and Laura and absorb a rekindled appreciation for your own relationships even if you don’t have a sibling. There is an essence of emotional truth in the poem that is universal. We can look at examples from our personal experiences where we have been called to sacrifice or recall someone has made a sacrifice for us. After reading “Goblin Market”, one may be more inclined to consider unselfish tendencies to be nobler and seek to act more in that
10-22-2017
English Literature since 1800
Second Essay Assignment
The Layers of “Goblin Market”
Does great art make you feel or make you think? John Ruskin and Walter Pater have different approaches when it comes to art appreciation. The argument by Ruskin is that great art is “received by a higher faculty of the mind” and Pater is convinced that art “is the aim of the true student of aesthetics”. Not only are both schools of thought are correct but must work together to create a great piece of art. Christina Rossetti’s poem “Goblin Market” accomplishes both modes of perception, emotional and intellectual, making the poem an exemplary prototype of an effective piece of art. Thought and feeling compliment …show more content…
There is an intent of the poet to convey a message; the statement can be argued, some believe the poem is a dedication to the divine—Laura has fallen from grace into the clutches of temptation and evil, while her Lizzie acts as a pseudo Jesus and sacrifices herself to save her sister—while other interpretations claim that the poem is a work of female power—the importance of sisterly bonds, breaking away from status quo from damsel to savior, and taking control of female sexuality. The work prompts the reader to ask questions and raises debate of Rossetti’s intention. So much so, that a poem written in 1859 by a woman is still relevant today. It is as if “Goblin Market” has given us on our fruit to bite into. Beautiful at its first bite but quickly exposes something about ourselves, leaving a bittersweet taste in our …show more content…
“Goblin Market” is a story about sisterhood but it is also a story of redemption and self-sacrifice. You can look at the bond between Lizzie and Laura and absorb a rekindled appreciation for your own relationships even if you don’t have a sibling. There is an essence of emotional truth in the poem that is universal. We can look at examples from our personal experiences where we have been called to sacrifice or recall someone has made a sacrifice for us. After reading “Goblin Market”, one may be more inclined to consider unselfish tendencies to be nobler and seek to act more in that