Analysis of Poetic Devices in “Goblin Market”
Poetic and literary devices are tools authors use to convey meaning, evoke emotion, and create imagery. Christina Rossetti masterfully employs these devices in Goblin Market to enrich the poem’s themes and create a captivating reading experience. Here’s a detailed analysis:
- Symbolism: Throughout the poem, Rossetti uses symbolism to represent abstract ideas. The fruits themselves symbolize temptation, desire, and potentially forbidden knowledge. The Goblin Market as a whole symbolizes a world of dangerous allure and moral ambiguity. Lizzie’s endurance of the Goblin’s assault represents self‑sacrifice and unwavering loyalty.
- Imagery: Rossetti’s vivid imagery appeals to all five senses, immersing the reader in the poem’s world. The descriptions of the fruit – “plump unpeck’d cherries,” “bloom-down-cheek’d peaches” – are particularly luscious. The imagery shifts dramatically when describing the Goblin’s attack on Lizzie, becoming harsh and violent to reflect the brutality of the scene.
- Alliteration & Assonance: Rossetti frequently uses alliteration (repetition of consonant sounds) and assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) to create musicality and emphasize certain phrases. For example, “fruit full fair” uses alliteration to highlight the tempting nature of the Goblin’s wares. The line “Her gleaming locks show’d not one thread of grey” uses assonance with the repeated ‘e’ sound to create a flowing rhythm.
- Repetition & Anaphora: Repetition of phrases and the use of anaphora (repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses) add emphasis and create a sense of incantation. Consider the repeated descriptions of the Goblin’s calls, drawing Laura and Lizzie toward the market. The “Half their…” phrases in the later stanzas create a haunting, diminishing effect, suggesting the loss of something precious.
- Enjambment: Rossetti uses enjambment (the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next) to create a sense of flow and momentum. This technique can also build suspense, drawing the reader forward through the poem. For example: “Her breath was sweet as May / And light danced in her eyes.”
- Metaphor & Simile: The poem employs both metaphor (implied comparison) and simile (explicit comparison using “like” or “as”). Lizzie is often compared to a steadfast rock, emphasizing her resilience. The descriptions of Laura’s transformation use metaphor to convey her fading vitality.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly evocative and can be used for various purposes, from illustrating descriptive language to exploring themes of temptation and sisterhood.
“Apples and quinces,
Lemons and oranges,
Plump unpeck’d cherries,
Melons and raspberries,
Bloom-down-cheek’d peaches,
Swart-headed mulberries,
Wild free-born cranberries,
Crab-apples, dewberries,
Pine-apples, blackberries,
Apricots, strawberries;—
All ripe together
In summer weather.”
These lines are a beautiful catalog of fruit, perfect for illustrating descriptive language or sparking discussions about seasonal abundance.
“Life out of death.
That night long Lizzie watch’d by her,
Counted her pulse’s flagging stir…”
These lines encapsulate the core theme of sacrifice and redemption, and are powerful for exploring the bonds of sisterhood.
“For there is no friend like a sister
In calm or stormy weather…”
This final sentiment perfectly summarizes the poem’s central message, making it ideal for celebrating familial love and loyalty.