Christina Rossetti's Goblin Market

Words: 346
Pages: 2

“Goblin Market" is a narrative poem by Christina Rossetti published in 1862. She claimed that the poem, which is interpreted frequently as having features of sexual imagery, was not meant for children.

This poem is delivered by the narrators – Lizzie and Laura - as a lesson to their children. They describe their experience in the goblin market to their own children as a cautionary tale about the importance of sisterly love.

“Goblin Market” has two possible interpretations: the first one is religious, while the second center on gender and sexuality. A helpful dichotomy has been created because it is difficult to prove Rossetti's original intent. The readers that are more familiar with religion would see the Christian allegory.