Goblin Market was officially published in 1862. This was one of many poems published as a collection and was a story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie. The older of the two, Lizzie, regularly reminded her sister not to partake of the goblin's fruits. This is significant because you have something vile being set alongside something that is supposed to be pure. Christina Rosseti was a highly religious woman living in the VIctorian era, but she has written a tale that is not. Merriam- Webster defines a goblin as " an ugly or grotesque sprite that is usually mischievous and sometimes evil and malicious". A Victorian era woman is supposed to be chaste and moral so I feel that Rosseti is showcasing that fin de siecle or the close of an era. Christina Rosetti continues on in this tale with detailing how Laura trades her hair or a piece of herself for the forbidden fruit. It almost reads as a parallel to the prostitution that Christina Rosetti is witnessing as a volunteer at St. Mary Magdalene as she did that from 1959-1970. As Laura has the first taste of fruit she is immediately addicted.
Laura spends the majority of the poem begging and yearning for the taste of the goblin fruits. She begs the goblins for me and they refuse. The only way that Laura is saved from her situation is by her sister. Lizzie goes and implores the goblins for Laura. Lizzie is courageous, morally sound and is the hero in this story. Lizzie steps in when there is no man to save Laura from herself.
This poem reads with sexual undertones, highlights temptation, explores femininty, and highlights sisterhood.
Cover found at: https://editions.covecollective.org/content/editions-and-renditions-christina-rossettis-goblin-market