The allure of Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market” lies not only in its vivid imagery and musical language but also in the complexity of its symbolism. This poem, first published in 1862, has been a subject of fascination for scholars and readers alike, with its exploration of themes such as desire, morality, and the human condition. At the heart of “Goblin Market” is a rich tapestry of symbols, each woven with precision to convey the poet’s vision of a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.
The Goblin Merchants: Symbols of Temptation
The goblins, with their “ERENCE of Onion and drug Got by them in the fields at dawn” (Rossetti 12-13), serve as the primary agents of temptation in the poem. These creatures, often interpreted as symbols of the devil or of societal ills, embody the corrupting influence of external desires on the individual’s will. Their fruits, which they peddle with an otherworldly allure, symbolize the forbidden or the taboo, drawing the sisters into a world of sensual pleasures that are simultaneously alluring and dangerous.
The Fruits: Symbols of Desire and Knowledge
The fruits sold by the goblins are imbued with a symbolic significance that transcends their literal meaning. They represent the forbidden knowledge and desires that humanity has been cautioned against since the biblical tale of the Garden of Eden. The act of eating the fruit is a metaphor for the acquisition of knowledge and the experience of desire, which can lead to both empowerment and downfall. This symbolism is heightened by the poetic description of the fruits, which “swelled / And grew and dropped and ripened to the touch” (Rossetti 35-36), emphasizing their sensual and tempting nature.
The River: A Symbol of Transition and Purification
The river that runs through the poem serves as a symbol of transition and purification. It is a boundary between the world of the goblins and the realm of human society, and crossing it represents a threshold into unknown territories, both physically and spiritually. The river also symbolizes the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life, underscoring the idea that all experiences, whether of pleasure or pain, are transient.
Laura and Lizzie: Contrasting Symbols of Human Experience
The two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, are opposing symbols within the narrative, each representing different aspects of the human experience. Laura, who succumbs to the goblins’ allure, symbolizes the part of human nature that is drawn to immediate gratification and sensual pleasure, often at the cost of long-term consequences. In contrast, Lizzie, who resists the temptation, embodies the qualities of prudence, loyalty, and the enduring power of love and virtue. Through their characters, Rossetti explores the internal conflict between desire and responsibility, highlighting the complexities of making choices in a world filled with temptations.
The Kiss: A Symbol of Redemption and Love
The kiss that Lizzie shares with Laura, after Laura has been rescued from the brink of death, is a powerful symbol of redemption and the transformative power of love. This act not only underscores the unbreakable bond between the sisters but also serves as a metaphor for the redemptive quality of selfless love. The kiss symbolically purifies Laura, restoring her to a state of health and moral well-being, and highlights the idea that true connection and love can overcome even the most damaging of experiences.
Conclusion
In “Goblin Market,” Christina Rossetti masterfully weaves a complex web of symbols that invite readers to ponder the deeper meanings behind the poetic narrative. The goblins, fruits, river, and the contrasting characters of Laura and Lizzie all contribute to a rich symbolism that explores the human condition, the nature of desire, and the power of love and redemption. Through its symbolic landscape, “Goblin Market” challenges readers to consider the multifaceted nature of human experience, where choices between right and wrong, virtue and vice, are not always clear-cut, and where the journey towards self-discovery and morality is fraught with temptations and uncertainties.
What symbolic role do the goblin merchants play in the poem?
+The goblin merchants symbolize temptation and the corrupting influence of external desires on the individual's will. They represent societal ills or the devil, embodying the forbidden or taboo that draws individuals into a world of sensual pleasures.
How do the fruits sold by the goblins contribute to the poem's symbolism?
+The fruits symbolize forbidden knowledge and desires, drawing parallels with the biblical tale of the Garden of Eden. They represent the acquisition of knowledge and the experience of desire, leading to both empowerment and downfall, and are described in sensual terms to highlight their tempting nature.
What does the character of Laura symbolize in the context of the poem?
+Laura symbolizes the part of human nature drawn to immediate gratification and sensual pleasure, often at the cost of long-term consequences. Her character explores the consequences of succumbing to temptation and the importance of self-control and virtue.
In exploring the symbolism of “Goblin Market,” it becomes clear that the poem is not just a narrative of temptation and redemption but a profound exploration of human nature, morality, and the complexities of desire and love. Through its use of vivid imagery, complex characters, and rich symbolism, Rossetti’s poem continues to captivate readers, inviting them into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred, and the human condition is laid bare in all its complexity.
