Goblin Market: Analysis and Themes

Page 1: Introduction to the Narrative

The opening introduces the central conflict of the Goblin Market analysis and themes, establishing the fairy tale setting and main characters. Laura's fateful decision to trade her golden hair for forbidden fruit sets the tragic events in motion.

Highlight: The poem immediately establishes its fairy tale credentials while hinting at darker themes.

Quote: "Laura exchanges a lock of her golden hair for the chance taste the goblins' enchanted 'fruit forbidden'"

Page 2: Narrative Structure and Interpretations

The page explores the poem's dual nature as both a children's tale and a complex social commentary. Despite Rossetti's public insistence on its status as children's literature, private correspondence reveals deeper intentions.

Definition: The ballad-like narrative structure creates a familiar storytelling format while concealing more complex themes.

Highlight: The market's constant availability suggests deeper symbolic meaning beyond a simple marketplace.

Page 3: Historical Context and Symbolism

This section reveals Rossetti's social work background and its influence on the poem's themes. The use of animal imagery for the goblins serves multiple symbolic purposes.

Example: Rossetti's volunteer work at a women's refuge directly influenced her portrayal of sisterly bonds.

Vocabulary: Anglican Sisterhoods - religious communities of women dedicated to charitable work in Victorian England.

Page 4: Victorian Symbolism and Laura's Fall

The significance of hair in Victorian culture and literature is explored, along with the sexual symbolism in Laura's encounter with the goblin fruit.

Definition: Hair symbolism in Victorian literature often represented virtue, sexuality, and social status.

Quote: "Hair was a massive cultural commodity in Victorian culture."

Page 5: Sister Dynamics

Explores the complementary roles of Laura and Lizzie, highlighting how their different responses to temptation serve the poem's broader themes.

Highlight: The sisters represent opposing but complementary aspects of Victorian femininity.

Page 6: Masculine Representation

Analyzes the negative portrayal of masculinity through the goblin characters, reflecting Rossetti's social concerns.

Quote: "Probably the most negative of Rossetti's portrayals of men."

Highlight: The poem critiques Victorian double standards regarding gender and morality.

Page 1: Introduction and Context

This opening section establishes the narrative framework and historical context of Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market". The poem follows sisters Laura and Lizzie's encounter with goblin merchants, leading to Laura's near-fatal taste of forbidden fruit and her eventual salvation through Lizzie's sacrifice.

Definition: The poem follows a temptation-fall-redemption-restoration structure common in Victorian moral tales.

Highlight: Rossetti wrote this while volunteering at St Mary Magdalene Penitentiary, significantly influencing the poem's themes of redemption.

Example: The poem incorporates typical fairy tale elements including magical creatures, moral instruction, and supernatural elements.

Vocabulary: "Fallen women" - Victorian term for women who had transgressed sexual moral codes.

Quote: "Curiosity is bad, don't look outside your world-but you can be rescued by a loving family."