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Symbolism In The Goblin Market

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This essay aims to explore the relationship between trade within the goblin market and the sexuality that is heavily implied within the text of the poem. The poem “Goblin Market” is written by Christina Rossetti in 1859, right in the middle of the Victorian era. During this time, unmarried women were discretely searching for husbands. They could not speak to a man without a married women or other suitable chaperon present. During the 1800s the medical community taught that females were only considered to have romantic feelings and did not have sexual appetites. While young men on the other hand did, and they could find themselves prostitutes to relieve their sexual needs if so desired. Rossetti insists her poem is of a mythical nature, specifically …show more content…

All are described as “plump, wild-free, fresh, full, fine, rare and sweet” very tempting phrases and words often used to describe attractive young women. They chant their song, with “Come buy, Come buy” a tune only young maidens are able to hear. Enticed one of the two sister, Laura, hides in the rushes one moonlight evening waiting for the goblins. The goblins are not upset when she tells them she has no metal (coin) within her possession, only gold of the fruze at her home. The goblins are happy to barter, with Laura and ask for the “gold” that is on top of her …show more content…

At this demand the goblins change from “wagging and purring” creatures to that of “grunting and snarling.” The many brutal actions taken against her, from line 396 to 436 are to force her to their will. Anything to make her trade something of herself, or to eat the fruit in their presence. The largest suggestion to note are two similes used, the first being, “Like a fruit-crown'd orange-tree/White with blossoms honey-sweet/Sore beset by wasp and bee,--” (415-417). Lizzie is compared to a tree, standing strong with her flowers. Many times in culture the losing of a females’ virginity is reference to deflowering. Here she is a tree covered in flowers, which the goblins are trying to pollinate/impregnate, as bees would

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