Goblin Market Analysis
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Texas A&M University *
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Course
361
Subject
English
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by crawfell
Crawford 1
ENGL 361
Goblin Market Analysis
One of the interpretations I found for
Goblin Market
was written by Lee-James Bovey.
Bovey has several varying interpretations of the meaning behind
Goblin Market
, including that
the goblins are representative of masculinity, and the fruits the goblins sell are a reference to the
first sin in the Bible. Bovey claims that these interpretations are supported by the overall theme
of temptation that can be found throughout the entire poem. Another interpretation of
Golbin
Market
by Oliver Tearle provides an expanded interpretation of Bovey’s claim that the goblins
represent masculinity. Tearle claims that the temptation of the fruit could be interpreted as a
sexual temptation or even the temptation of drugs.
Overall, I agree with both Bovey and Tearle’s general analysis of the poem. I agree with
Bovey that the fruits are likely supposed to be a reference to the sin of Eve. While reading
Goblin Market
for the first time, I came to the conclusion that the fruit was a Biblical reference. I
also agree with Tearle’s interpretation that the goblins and their fruit represent a sexual and sinful
temptation. Still, I disagree with his claim that another possible interpretation is that the fruit
represents drugs, and the poem is meant to be about addiction. Looking at the time period it was
written, I believe that it’s more likely that the poem was written to warn against sinful
temptations.
This poem can be considered a work of young adult literature. The main characters,
Lizzie and Laura, are both described as “maidens.” This likely means that the girls are both
teenagers and would fall under the umbrella term of young adults. The work itself is meant to
teach the reader a lesson, much like many other works of young adult literature. Both characters
could be considered relatable to teenage readers.
Crawford 2
Links
https://poemanalysis.com/christina-rossetti/goblin-market/
https://interestingliterature.com/2017/06/a-short-analysis-of-christina-rossettis-goblin-market/
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