In lesson today we were listening to each other ideas about the different interpretations of Goblin Market. These are the other interpretations spoke about (Erotic, Feminist, Marxist and Moral.)
Erotic
The group mentioned how 'unpicked cherries' could symbolise Lizzie and Lauras virginity and how the fruit could symbolise temptation. I think the strongest arguement, is the symbolism of prostitution and rape. When Laura sells her hair, it could be symbolising her selling herself (prostitution) for the fruit. Towards the end, when Lizzie sacrifices herself for Laura and they try and force her to eat the fruits could be the idea of the goblins attempting to rape Lizzie. In this interpretation, Lizzie is portrayed as strong, as she refuses to let the goblins rape her 'would not open lip from lip.'
Feminist
In the feminist view, Lizzie is the hero as she saves her sister. There is the sisterly love between Lizzie and Laura and the idea is that their relationship is pure and intimate, which in the poem is a complete contrast with the relationship between a man and woman, which is very violent. The feminist view that Christina Rossetti wrote portrays the goblins as very animalistic and evil, and just wanting to feed the women the fruit. The view says that the goblin men break the bond between Lizzie and Laura, by tempting Laura to eat the fruit. Rossetti also says the line 'stamped on her tender feet' contrasting the men (violent) and women (soft and vunerable.)
Marxist
This interpretation is the idea of consumerism and trade. The strongest arguement in this interpretation is the trickery of the goblins, as she sells herself for the fruit, but it is never enough and never satifies, as the person eating becomes addicted. It also mentions about the bad side of trade, they beat Lizzie and try to force her to eat the fruit.
Moral
The main point in this interpretation I believe is that Lauras choices (eating the fruit) affects Lizzie (she sacrifices herself and is beaten up.) The moral message of the poem is that if you get married it will cleanse your soul and also there is a connection between one of the stanzas and the vow you make when you marry someone. The moral interpretation has large links to Christianity, such as Adam and Eve with the forbidden fruit (Lizzie and Laura and the goblin juice) and Lizzie being beaten up is parallel to Jesus' cruxifiction.
I believe the strongest interpretations are feminist and redemptive, because they have the strongest arguements.
Good. So how does this link to the poem's destination? What message does it give?
ReplyDeleteThe poems destination is all to do with whether or not Lizzie and Laura will give in to temptation. The erotic representation is to do with whether the character will lose their purity. The feminist view is linked to the destination by whether or not Lizzie and Laura will overcome the Goblin men & the moral view is about if Lizzie and Lauras faith will help them survive the story or not.
ReplyDelete