"Goblin Market" is a narrative poem written by Christina Rossetti, first published in 1862. It's considered one of her most famous and complex works, often analyzed for its themes of temptation, sisterhood, and redemption. The poem tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who encounter goblin merchants selling tempting fruits in a market. Despite warnings, Laura succumbs to temptation and trades a lock of her hair for the goblin fruit. Consuming the fruit has an addictive and detrimental effect on her health and well-being. Lizzie, however, resists the temptation and refuses to taste the fruit. As Laura becomes increasingly consumed by her desire for the goblin fruit, Lizzie makes a brave attempt to save her sister. She goes to the goblin market with a coin to buy the fruit, but the goblins refuse her payment, knowing she won't succumb to their temptations. Instead, Lizzie insists on tasting the fruit herself, hoping to bring it back to Laura as a means of healing. The goblins, enraged by her resistance, attempt to force the fruit on her, but she withstands their efforts. Returning to Laura, Lizzie encourages her sister to consume the juices from her own face, neck, and hair, as she did when trying the fruit. By doing so, Laura is cured of her desire for the goblin fruit, and both sisters are saved from its destructive influence. The poem is rich with allegorical and symbolic meanings. Some interpretations suggest that the goblin fruit represents various vices and temptations, while others see it as a symbol of sexual desire or the loss of innocence. Additionally, the close bond between the sisters is often interpreted as a representation of familial love and loyalty.
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