Introduction: The Allure of the Market
Christina Rossetti’s poem “Goblin Market” is a fascinating exploration of feminine spaces and the interplay between body and commodity. Written in 1850, this narrative poem takes us on a journey through a fantastical marketplace run by goblins, who entice women with their seductive wares. But what lies beneath this enchanting façade? Rossetti delves into themes of desire, sacrifice, and sisterhood while questioning societal norms around women’s bodies and their roles in Victorian society. In this essay, we’ll unpack how Rossetti uses the imagery of the market to reveal complex relationships between femininity, commodification, and power dynamics.
The Market as a Metaphor
At its core, “Goblin Market” can be viewed as an allegorical tale about temptation and consumerism. The goblins represent both literal merchants and symbolic temptations that prey on women’s desires. When Laura first encounters the goblins’ fruit—“We must not look at goblin men”—she finds herself irresistibly drawn to their offerings. This moment signifies more than just an encounter with forbidden fruit; it symbolizes how society commodifies women’s bodies through desire.
The market itself serves as a physical manifestation of social expectations placed upon women during the Victorian era. Women were often seen as objects of beauty and virtue but also as commodities to be exchanged within societal frameworks—be it marriage or familial duties. Rossetti cleverly employs this market setting to critique these notions. By representing women’s choices within a commercial landscape, she invites readers to reflect on how external pressures shape internal desires.
Temptation: The Dual Nature of Desire
Desire in “Goblin Market” has dual meanings: it is both alluring and dangerous. For Laura, tasting the fruit transforms her life; she becomes obsessed with acquiring more yet falls into despair when deprived of her newfound pleasure. This act serves as an excellent metaphor for addiction—both to material goods and sexual desire—and reflects how society often demonizes women who succumb to such temptations.
On one hand, Laura’s longing can be understood through a feminist lens where her craving for independence clashes with societal restrictions on female agency. On the other hand, her fate also highlights the perils associated with surrendering too completely to desire without consideration for its consequences. Herein lies Rossetti’s brilliance; she captures an authentic struggle faced by many women during her time—how to navigate personal desires while remaining tethered to societal expectations.
Sisterhood: A Space for Redemption
A significant aspect that emerges from “Goblin Market” is the theme of sisterhood embodied by Laura and Lizzie’s relationship. Unlike traditional portrayals of competition among women during that era—fueled by envy or rivalry—the bond between these sisters reveals strength found in solidarity against external threats (in this case, the goblins). When Lizzie witnesses Laura’s decline due to her obsession with goblin fruit, she courageously confronts those very same forces in order to save her sister.
This act goes beyond mere rescue; it speaks volumes about female empowerment achieved through mutual support rather than individualism alone—a radical notion for Rossetti’s time! Lizzie’s refusal to partake in commerce with the goblins reinforces ideas surrounding bodily autonomy; instead of selling herself out for fleeting pleasure or security offered by men (represented symbolically through these male creatures), she remains steadfastly loyal toward family ties—and ultimately triumphs over darkness.
The Body as Commodity
Rossetti doesn’t shy away from addressing how women’s bodies are viewed as commodities within broader patriarchal structures too—the imagery surrounding consumption showcases this well throughout “Goblin Market.” From luscious fruits symbolizing erotic allurements linked directly back towards femininity—to moments showcasing vulnerability (“…her breath was sweet,”)—the narrative consistently reminds us how desirability intertwines seamlessly alongside commodification.
The physical transformation experienced by Laura following indulgence emphasizes another layer here; once lured into consuming what was offered freely at first glance—a mere reflection upon superficial appearance hides deeper implications regarding loss incurred thereafter (e.g., innocence). As readers observe Lizzie’s active resistance against unwanted advances during climax scenes—it becomes apparent that self-possession plays key role—as opposed merely reducing oneself down merely becoming ‘objectified.’ Ultimately advocating reclaiming ownership over one’s own corporeality represents triumph indeed!
Conclusion: A Rich Tapestry Woven with Complexity
In “Goblin Market,” Christina Rossetti masterfully constructs a rich tapestry woven from threads encompassing femininity while exploring intricate relationships involving body-image along consumer culture reflections interspersed throughout Victorian England life experiences itself—all within lush poetic language! Her portrayal invites scrutiny around issues facing women then still relevant today – examining topics concerning choice versus constraint inherent navigating sensual experiences comes alongside commercialism we endure constantly pressing down onto modern lives now equally weighed under similar burdens generated external influences demanding compliance always awaiting at every corner lurking nearby… It encourages empathy toward those caught amidst struggles depicted timelessly across pages having left indelible marks upon collective consciousness long after publishing date concluded!
References
- Rossetti, C. (1850). Goblin Market.
- Morgan, P.W., & MacDonald R.L.B.(1994). Christina Rossetti: Feminine Spaces & Transgressions.. New York University Press.
- Berglund J.A.(2001). “Feminist Readings Of ‘Goblin Market’.” Victorian Poetry 39(1): 43-61.
- Keller J.M.(2013).”The Power Of Female Solidarity In ‘Goblin Market’: Reclaiming Agency.” Studies In English Literature 53(4): 751-772.
- Meyer D.C.(2020).”The Economics Of Desire In Christina Rossetti’S ‘Goblin Market’.” Journal Of Literary Studies 36(1):1-15 .
