Photo Credits: By Dickinson Brothers - Dickinsons' comprehensive pictures of the Great Exhibition of 1851, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=543319
The Great Exhibition of 1851 was the first international event of its kind, bringing together art, people, machines and ideas from all over the world. It was held on royal ground known as Hyde Park in London. This event was practically the world's version of the state fair, where people could experience things they had only ever imagined before. I think the combination of curiosity and innovation that we see within the Great Exhibition connects well to British Literature at this time, like Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market," in the way of constant overwhelm from the crowds and constant persuasion.