BEGC 110 British Literature: 19th century
Assignment Code: BEGC-110/TMA/2023-24
Course Code: BEGC-110
Assignment Name: British Literature: 19th century
Year: 2023-24
Verification Status: Verified by Professor
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Section A
Q.I Explain with reference to context the following lines:
(i) There she weaves by night and day A magic web with colours gay. She has heard a whisper say, A curse is on her if she stay To look down to Camelot
Ans) The lines are from Alfred Lord Tennyson's famous poem "The Lady of Shalott." In this poem, Tennyson tells the story of a mysterious woman who is confined to a tower on the island of Shalott, which is located near the legendary city of Camelot. She is under a mysterious curse that prevents her from directly looking at Camelot. Instead, she can only view the world outside her tower through a mirror.
The lines describe the Lady of Shalott as she weaves a beautiful and enchanting web. The "magic web with colours gay" suggests that her work is not ordinary but has a mystical quality to it. This web serves as a symbolic representation of her life and creativity.
The Lady of Shalott is a weaver who creates a tapestry, and this act of weaving is central to her existence. It is through this creative process that she engages with the outside world, even though she is not allowed to look directly at it.
The "whisper" that she has heard indicates that there are rumours or legends about the curse upon her. The curse is tied to the idea that if she were to look directly at Camelot, some terrible fate would befall her. The curse adds an element of mystery and danger to her situation. It is not entirely clear who or what has placed this curse upon her, but it is an integral part of her life.
These lines highlight the theme of isolation and the tension between an inner world of creativity and an external world that holds both allure and peril. The Lady of Shalott is cut off from the real world, living in a secluded tower. Her only connection to the outside is through her weaving, which is both her means of expression and her link to reality.
This poem explores themes of art, isolation, and the conflict between the artist's inner world of imagination and the outside world. The Lady of Shalott is an artist who is disconnected from the vibrant life of Camelot, yet she longs to be a part of it. The curse symbolizes the price she pays for her art and her desire for a more direct connection with the world beyond her tower.
As the poem progresses, we see how the Lady's life takes a dramatic turn when she can no longer resist the temptation to look directly at Camelot, leading to a tragic and fateful ending. "The Lady of Shalott" is a beautifully crafted poem that delves into the themes of creativity, freedom, and the consequences of breaking free from the confines of one's isolated existence.
(ii) She had a heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad, Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er She looked on, and her looks went everywhere.
Ans) " This poem is a part of Wordsworth's collection of lyrical ballads and is known for its simplicity and deep emotional impact.
In these lines, the poet describes the young woman's heart as being "too soon made glad" and "too easily impressed." He goes on to say that she tended to like whatever she saw, and her looks were open and receptive to everything around her. These lines provide insight into her personality and emotional nature.
The phrase "too soon made glad" suggests that this young woman was quick to find joy and happiness in the world around her. It indicates that she was not burdened by cynicism or a critical outlook. Instead, she was easily delighted by the simple and beautiful things in life. She found reasons to be glad, in the natural world or in the small pleasures of everyday life.
Likewise, when the poet mentions that she was "easily impressed," he means that she was receptive to the impressions and influences of her surroundings. Her heart was open to the emotions and experiences that the world offered her. This open heartedness may have made her more vulnerable to the beauty and wonder of the world.
The phrase "she liked whate’er she looked on" reflects her ability to find something to appreciate in whatever she saw. Her positive and appreciative nature allowed her to see the good in people and things. Her gaze was not judgmental but rather appreciative and accepting.
The final line, "her looks went everywhere," emphasizes her curiosity and the wide-ranging nature of her interests. She was not confined to a narrow or limited perspective. Instead, her gaze and attention were expansive, exploring the world with an open heart and mind.
In these lines, Wordsworth captures the essence of a person who sees the world with a sense of wonder and a pure heart. The poem mourns the unnoticed and uncelebrated life of this woman, highlighting the idea that even though she was not celebrated in public memory, she left a lasting impact on the poet's heart and memory. This reflection on her character and disposition adds depth and emotional resonance to the poem.
(iii) The sea is calm tonight. The tide is full, the moon lies fair Upon the straits; on the French coast the light Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand, Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.
Ans) In this passage, the speaker paints a vivid picture of a serene and peaceful seaside scene, which contrasts with the themes and events of the poem's earlier sections.
The sea is calm tonight: The opening line sets the tone for the passage, indicating a tranquil and quiet evening. The calm sea serves as a contrast to the tumultuous and mysterious events that take place later in the poem.
The tide is full, the moon lies fair: The description of the full tide and the fair, or beautiful, moon adds to the sense of serenity. The moonlight on the water creates a serene and picturesque scene, emphasizing the peacefulness of the moment.
Upon the straits: on the French coast the light Gleams and is gone: This line provides further details about the scene. The "straits" refer to a narrow body of water, the English Channel. The glimmering light on the French coast suggests the presence of a lighthouse, which momentarily shines and then disappears. This image contributes to the overall ambiance of tranquillity and distant beauty.
The Cliffs of England Stand, Glimmering and Vast, Out in the Tranquil Bay: The image of the cliffs of England standing in the tranquil bay reinforces the sense of stillness and calm. The cliffs are described as "glimmering and vast," creating a majestic and peaceful backdrop to the scene.
(iv) Backwards up the mossy glen Turn'd and troop'd the goblin men, With their shrill repeated cry, "Come buy, come buy."
Ans) The poem "Goblin Market" itself is a complex narrative that explores themes of temptation, desire, and sisterhood. While these lines describe a peaceful coastal setting, the rest of the poem revolves around the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who encounter goblin merchants selling enchanted fruits in a dark and eerie forest. The goblins' cry, "Come buy, come buy," serves as a stark contrast to the tranquillity of the seaside scene, as it represents the seductive and dangerous allure of the goblins' wares.
In these lines, Christina Rossetti skilfully uses vivid and contrasting imagery to create a moment of calm before delving into the darker themes of her poem. The peaceful sea and moonlit night serve as a temporary respite from the intensity of the goblin story, highlighting the power of nature to offer solace and beauty in the face of temptation and danger.
Section B
Q. II Answer the following questions in about 300 words each:
Q1) What role does Madame Defarge play in the novel A Tale of Two Cities?
Ans) Madame Therese Defarge is a prominent character in Charles Dickens' novel "A Tale of Two Cities." She serves as both a central figure in the narrative and a symbol of the French Revolution's vengeful spirit. Her role can be summarized as follows:
a) Symbol of Revolution: Madame Defarge embodies the vengeful and bloodthirsty aspect of the French Revolution. Her relentless pursuit of revenge against the aristocracy and her knitting of a register of those condemned to die by the guillotine illustrate the revolutionary fervour and the desire for retribution against the oppressive ruling class.
b) Leader of the Women's Revolution: She is a leader among the women of the working class, who are actively involved in the revolutionary activities. Her influence over the other female revolutionaries is significant, as she plays a pivotal role in organizing and motivating them.
c) Opponent of the Aristocracy: Madame Defarge despises the aristocracy for the suffering they have caused to the common people. Her personal vendetta against the Evrémonde family, particularly Charles Darnay, drives much of the novel's conflict.
d) Complex Character: While she represents the revolutionary spirit, Madame Defarge is a complex character. Her stoic and ruthless exterior conceals her traumatic past, as her family was brutally victimized by the Evrémondes. This history of personal loss fuels her thirst for revenge.
e) Conflict with the Protagonists: Her vendetta puts her in direct conflict with the novel's protagonists, particularly Charles Darnay and his family. Her pursuit of vengeance endangers the lives of innocent characters like Lucie Manette and her daughter.
Madame Defarge's character symbolizes the destructive power of revenge and the violence that can erupt when people are pushed to the brink by injustice. She adds depth to the novel's exploration of the moral complexities and consequences of the French Revolution. Her character serves as a reminder of the capacity for cruelty that can lurk within individuals and societies during times of upheaval and social change.
Q2) Attempt a character sketch of Susan Henchard from the novel A Mayor of Casterbridge.
Ans) Susan Henchard is a key character in Thomas Hardy's novel "The Mayor of Casterbridge." Her character is marked by her humility, strength, and selflessness.
a) Humble and Unassuming: Susan is introduced as a simple and unpretentious woman. She lacks the ambition and pride that drive her husband, Michael Henchard. Her humility is evident in her willingness to forgive and seek reconciliation even after her husband's cruel treatment.
b) Suffering and Resilience: Throughout the novel, Susan is a character who endures great suffering. She is separated from her husband and young daughter, Elizabeth-Jane, after a quarrel at a fair. She remains devoted to her daughter and later faces the challenges of life as a widow. Her ability to endure adversity with patience displays her inner strength.
c) Selflessness: Susan's actions are guided by her love for her daughter. She returns to Casterbridge, seeking a better life for Elizabeth-Jane and sacrificing her own desires and needs. Her primary concern is Elizabeth-Jane's well-being and future.
d) Forgiving Nature: Despite the wrongs done to her, Susan retains a forgiving and compassionate nature. She forgives Michael Henchard for the past and tries to make peace with him for the sake of Elizabeth-Jane.
e) Traditional Values: Susan embodies traditional values of motherhood, family, and devotion. She represents a stark contrast to the more complex and flawed characters in the novel, such as Michael Henchard.
f) Tragic Figure: Susan's character is tragic, as she undergoes a series of misfortunes and emotional turmoil. Her death in the novel is a poignant moment that elicits sympathy from readers.
g) Influence on the Plot: Susan's return to Casterbridge sets in motion many of the novel's events. Her presence in the town and her relationship with Elizabeth-Jane play a significant role in the unfolding of the narrative.
Q3) Critically analyse the passage from ‘The Lotos - Eaters’.
Ans) "The Lotos-Eaters" is a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which explores themes of escapism, the allure of complacency, and the consequences of avoiding life's challenges. The passage in question describes the effect of the lotos plant on those who consume it.
In this passage, Tennyson vividly depicts the profound impact of the lotos plant on the mariners who partake in it. The languid and dreamy atmosphere of the poem is masterfully conveyed through the use of vivid sensory imagery. The line "In the hollow Lotos-land to live and lie reclined" encapsulates the idea of a serene, almost heavenly existence that beckons the mariners to surrender their ambitions and responsibilities.
The repetition of the phrase "To live and lie reclined" emphasizes the seductive nature of this existence, which lulls individuals into a passive, pleasure-seeking state. This passivity is further conveyed through phrases like "drowsed with the fume of poppies" and "the still, lulling midsummer moony seas." These descriptions evoke a sense of drowsiness and detachment from the real world.
The mariners' transformation into "mild-eyed melancholy lotos-eaters" suggests that the lotos has a profound impact on their emotional state, inducing a melancholic, detached demeanour. This transformation is further emphasized through the use of alliteration and assonance, creating a dreamy and hypnotic quality in the lines.
Critically, this passage serves as a warning against the dangers of complacency and the pursuit of a hedonistic, unchallenging existence. It highlights the allure of escapism but also underscores the moral and emotional consequences of avoiding life's trials and responsibilities. Tennyson's skilful use of language and imagery makes this passage a powerful exploration of the human inclination to seek refuge from the complexities of reality, even at the cost of losing one's vitality and purpose.
Q4) Attempt a critical analysis of the poem ‘Pied Beauty’.
Ans) "Pied Beauty" is a sonnet by Gerard Manley Hopkins, a renowned Victorian poet known for his innovative use of language and vivid imagery. This poem is a celebration of the diversity and imperfections found in the natural world, reflecting Hopkins's deep religious and philosophical beliefs.
The poem's structure, with its tightly woven rhymes, and the use of sprung rhythm, a meter he innovated, creates a sense of vibrant and spontaneous expression. The poem's title, "pied" meaning multi-coloured or variegated, captures the essence of the poem. Hopkins celebrates the "dappled things" in nature – the spotted and mottled appearances found in animals, plants, and even the changing seasons. He sees beauty in this diversity, emphasizing that everything, even the imperfect and asymmetrical, contributes to the grand design of the universe.
Hopkins, a Jesuit priest, often combined his love of nature with his religious devotion. In "Pied Beauty," he attributes all this variety to a divine creator. He emphasizes that it is God who has created these diverse elements and that they reveal His artistry and wisdom.
The poem's tone is one of reverence and gratitude, as the speaker acknowledges and accepts the flaws and imperfections of the world. The celebration of variety, irregularity, and individuality contrasts with the Victorian era's emphasis on order and conformity, reflecting a more modern and individualistic perspective.
"Pied Beauty" is a beautifully crafted poem that celebrates the uniqueness and variety of the natural world. Through its innovative form and vivid language, it captures the essence of Gerard Manley Hopkins's view of nature and faith, illustrating how he finds beauty in imperfection and irregularity. It is a celebration of the diverse and intricate design of the universe, and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the everyday things we often overlook.
Section C
Q. III Answer the following questions in about 600 words each:
Q1) Write a detailed note on Henchard’s decline and downfall in the novel The Mayor of Casterbridge.
Ans) Michael Henchard, the central character of Thomas Hardy's novel "The Mayor of Casterbridge," undergoes a dramatic and tragic decline and downfall. His journey from a respectable, successful man to a destitute outcast serves as a powerful exploration of character, fate, and the consequences of one's actions.
Henchard starts the novel as a humble hay trusser who arrives in the fictional town of Casterbridge after a drinking spree. In a moment of drunken folly, he auctions off his wife, Susan, and his daughter, Elizabeth-Jane. The next morning, he regrets his actions but cannot find his family. This impulsive decision sets the stage for his eventual downfall.
Despite this early misstep, Henchard is a man of ambition and determination. He eventually works his way up from being a lowly hay trusser to becoming the mayor of Casterbridge. His transformation is marked by his hard work, business acumen, and his sobriety. Henchard becomes a respected figure in the town and appears to have turned his life around.
However, his downfall begins when his past actions come back to haunt him. Susan and Elizabeth-Jane, who he thought were lost forever, reappear in Casterbridge. His wife, now using the name Mrs. Newson, had remarried, and Elizabeth-Jane does not know the truth of her parentage. Henchard's inability to communicate with them honestly and his attempt to hide his past result in a series of misunderstandings and conflicts.
Furthermore, Henchard's tragic flaw is his impulsive and prideful nature. He struggles to maintain the facade of his newfound respectability and is haunted by the fear of being exposed as a fraud. This fear ultimately leads him to make a series of poor decisions. He falls out of favour with the townspeople, alienates his loyal friend Farfrae, and loses his position as mayor.
As Henchard's fortunes decline, his character deteriorates. He becomes increasingly bitter, jealous, and self-destructive. He takes to drink once more, and his behaviour becomes erratic. His obsession with regaining his social standing and fortune blinds him to the needs and feelings of those around him.
One of the most tragic aspects of Henchard's downfall is the contrast between his early potential for greatness and his ultimate ruin. He is a man with the capacity for good, as seen in his initial repentance for his actions and his genuine love for Elizabeth-Jane. However, his inability to overcome his pride and his impulsive nature led to his undoing.
The culmination of Henchard's decline is his death, alone and destitute. His pride prevents him from seeking help or reconciling with those he has wronged. His decline serves as a warning about the destructive power of pride and the consequences of one's past actions.
Michael Henchard's decline and downfall in "The Mayor of Casterbridge" is a tragic exploration of character and fate. He begins as a man with potential for greatness but is ultimately brought low by his pride, impulsiveness, and inability to confront his past. His story serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the destructive consequences of one's actions and the importance of self-awareness and humility.
Q2) Write a detailed note on the revolutionaries in A Tale of Two Cities.
Ans) Charles Dickens' historical novel, "A Tale of Two Cities," set during the turbulent period of the French Revolution, features a cast of characters deeply entwined with the revolutionary fervour and chaos of the time. The novel explores the motivations, actions, and consequences of these revolutionaries, shedding light on the complex interplay between their individual desires for justice, freedom, and vengeance and the broader forces of a nation in turmoil.
Sydney Carton:
Sydney Carton is perhaps one of the most enigmatic and dynamic characters in the novel. Although he initially appears apathetic and wasted due to his self-destructive lifestyle, he ultimately undergoes a profound transformation. Driven by his unrequited love for Lucie Manette, Carton finds purpose by sacrificing his own life for a higher cause. His famous last words, "It is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known," capture the essence of his revolutionary act – giving his life to ensure the safety and happiness of those he cares about.
Ernest Defarge:
Ernest Defarge, along with his wife, Madame Defarge, is at the heart of the revolutionary activities in the novel. A former servant of Dr. Manette, he becomes a key figure in the planning and execution of the revolution. As the owner of a wine shop, Defarge's establishment serves as a meeting place for the revolutionaries. He is a complex character, torn between his loyalty to the cause and his affection for the Manette family, particularly Lucie. His character illustrates the pervasive influence of the revolution on even those who might have been considered sympathetic to the aristocracy.
Madame Defarge:
Madame Defarge is a particularly ruthless and relentless revolutionary. She is known for her skill at knitting, which she uses to secretly record the names of those marked for execution by the revolution. Her vengeful pursuit of aristocrats and her lack of mercy set her apart as a symbol of the dark side of the revolution. Her insatiable thirst for retribution stems from her family's tragic history at the hands of the aristocracy.
The Mender of Roads:
The Mender of Roads is an incidental character who represents the common people who became unwitting participants in the revolution. Initially, he is indifferent to the revolutionary cause but becomes swept up in the fervour, symbolizing the power of mass movements and how ordinary citizens can be transformed into revolutionaries when motivated by a sense of justice and a desire for change.
The Jacquerie:
The Jacquerie, a group of armed revolutionaries, represents the more radical and violent faction of the revolution. They are characterized by their brutality and determination to eradicate the aristocracy. The Jacquerie's actions, including the storming of the Bastille, mirror the actual historical events of the French Revolution and demonstrate the fervent, often chaotic, spirit of the times.
Charles Darnay:
While not a revolutionary, Charles Darnay's presence in the story as a former aristocrat who renounces his family's title and wealth exemplifies the tension and transformation that many individuals experienced during the revolution. Darnay's decision to distance himself from his aristocratic past and align with the common people highlights the ideological shift that fuelled the revolution.
In "A Tale of Two Cities," the revolutionaries are a diverse group, driven by a range of motives, including vengeance, justice, and a desire for change. Dickens effectively captures the multifaceted nature of the revolution, portraying both its noble and violent aspects. The novel underscores the complexities and consequences of revolutionary movements, as individuals grapple with their personal motivations and the broader societal shifts at play.
The revolutionaries in the novel serve as a microcosm of the larger historical context, illustrating the profound impact of the French Revolution on the lives of ordinary citizens, aristocrats, and those caught in the maelstrom of change. Dickens' exploration of these characters adds depth and nuance to the novel's themes of sacrifice, resurrection, and the enduring struggle for justice and freedom, making "A Tale of Two Cities" a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers.
Q3) Attempt a critical summary of the poem ‘Prospice.’
Ans) "Prospice" is a poem written by the renowned Victorian poet Robert Browning. Published in 1864 as part of his collection "Dramatis Personae," the poem is often considered one of Browning's most introspective and personally revealing works. "Prospice," which means "look forward" in Latin, is a deeply emotional and philosophical exploration of the themes of mortality, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of death.
The poem consists of four quatrains, each composed of four lines, and follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. In this poem, Browning employs his characteristic dramatic monologue style, speaking from a first-person perspective. The speaker reflects on the idea of mortality and envisions his own death, presenting a fearless and defiant attitude in the face of the unknown.
The first stanza of "Prospice" introduces the theme of confronting mortality head-on. The speaker declares, "Fear death?—to feel the fog in my throat, / The mist in my face, / When the snows begin, and the blasts denote / I am nearing the place," signaling his readiness to face death. He describes the physical sensations of death as a "fog in my throat" and "mist in my face," which create an atmosphere of uncertainty and obscurity. Still, the speaker maintains that he is not afraid of this inevitable journey.
The second stanza emphasizes the speaker's determination to meet death with courage and unwavering resolve. He uses vivid and powerful imagery, likening himself to a "swimmer," bravely plunging into a sea "bolder and stronger" as it surges and swells. This metaphor conveys the idea that the speaker is not merely passive in the face of death but actively engaging with it, embracing the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead.
In the third stanza, Browning explores the transformative power of love and the idea that love can transcend death. The speaker asserts that his love is so strong that it will persist even in the afterlife. He declares, "Yet 'tis not while thus I await / The Last of November," suggesting that even the chill of November will not weaken his love. This emphasis on love's endurance serves to counter the bleakness often associated with death, portraying it as a continuation rather than an end.
The final stanza of the poem, however, takes a different turn. The speaker envisions a reunion with a loved one in the afterlife, a moment of "meeting" after a period of separation. He anticipates the moment when he will "cry, 'All we have waited for; / Then, the dead, for a moment have place, / And I see she has gone, / And the darkness and silence alone remain." This ending introduces a bittersweet quality to the poem, suggesting that even though the speaker may courageously confront death, it will still bring a sense of loss and solitude.
"Prospice" is a deeply introspective and contemplative poem that delves into the profound theme of mortality. Browning's use of vivid and evocative imagery, such as the sea metaphor and the sense of love enduring beyond death, contributes to the poem's emotional depth and complexity. The poem's tone is one of defiance and courage, as the speaker bravely faces death without fear, but it also acknowledges the inevitable solitude that comes with it.
This poem can be seen as a reflection of Browning's own life experiences. He had a turbulent personal life, including a complex marriage to the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. "Prospice" can be interpreted as Browning's response to the challenges and uncertainties he faced, both in his personal life and in the broader context of Victorian society. The poem reflects his belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love, even in the face of mortality.
"Prospice" by Robert Browning is a powerful and introspective poem that explores the theme of mortality with courage and resolve. Through vivid imagery and a first-person perspective, the speaker confronts death without fear, emphasizing the enduring power of love. The poem's nuanced ending introduces a touch of melancholy, underscoring the complex emotions associated with mortality. Browning's "Prospice" is a deeply personal and contemplative work that continues to resonate with readers, inviting them to confront their own mortality with courage and determination.
Q4) Discuss the surface as well as the deeper meaning of the poem ‘Goblin Market’.
Ans) "Goblin Market" is a captivating and enigmatic narrative poem written by the Victorian poet Christina Rossetti. First published in 1862, it has been the subject of considerable critical attention and is known for its rich symbolism and complex themes. The poem's surface meaning tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who are tempted by goblin merchants selling luscious and intoxicating fruits, while its deeper meaning delves into themes such as temptation, redemption, female agency, and the Victorian society's constraints.
Surface Meaning:
At its surface, "Goblin Market" is a narrative poem that tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who live in a pastoral, idyllic landscape. They hear the enticing calls of the goblin merchants, who offer a variety of exotic and alluring fruits. The goblins use seductive language and imagery, describing the fruits as "juicy, gloomy, and sweet" and tempting the girls with promises of pleasure. Laura is tempted by their offers and buys the fruits with a lock of her hair as payment.
Laura's consumption of the fruits has immediate and dire consequences. She falls under a spell and becomes obsessed with the desire for more. She becomes emaciated, weakened, and unable to resist the goblins' temptations. Lizzie, however, resists the goblins' advances and refuses to eat their fruit.
In the end, Lizzie undertakes a courageous and selfless act to save her sister. She goes to the goblins to purchase more fruit, enduring their physical and verbal abuse. She brings the fruit back to Laura, who is initially unable to eat it due to her own corrupted state. However, Lizzie's love and selflessness eventually break the spell, and Laura is redeemed.
Deeper Meaning:
"Goblin Market" is rich in allegorical and symbolic elements, and its deeper meanings can be explored in several ways:
a) Temptation and Sin: The goblin merchants represent temptation, with their seductive language and allure. Laura's succumbing to the temptation can be interpreted as a representation of sin. Her experience reflects the consequences of yielding to one's desires, as she becomes physically and spiritually weakened. The poem underscores the idea that indulgence in forbidden pleasures leads to spiritual and moral degradation.
b) Sisterhood and Female Agency: The strong bond between Laura and Lizzie is a central theme of the poem. Lizzie's determination to save her sister represents the power of sisterhood and female agency. In a Victorian society that often limited women's roles and autonomy, Lizzie's actions highlight the strength and resilience of women. Her selfless act challenges the traditional portrayal of women as helpless and submissive.
c) Redemption and Sacrifice: Lizzie's actions to save her sister can be seen as a Christ-like sacrifice, as she endures physical suffering to redeem Laura from her sins. The poem reflects Christian themes of redemption and the idea that love, and selflessness can save the soul from spiritual peril. Lizzie's sacrifice is a testament to the power of love and the possibility of spiritual renewal.
d) Sexuality and Desire: The poem's lush, sensuous imagery can be interpreted as an exploration of female desire and sexuality, which were often repressed or ignored in Victorian literature. The goblins' fruits and Laura's desire for them can be seen as symbolic of sexual desire and its consequences. The poem addresses the complexity of female sexuality and the consequences of indulging in forbidden desires.
e) Critique of Consumerism: The goblins are also symbolic of consumerism and the allure of material goods. Their relentless pursuit of profit and their willingness to harm the sisters for their own gain can be seen as a critique of the materialistic and exploitative aspects of Victorian society.
"Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti is a complex and multifaceted poem with a surface narrative of temptation, redemption, and sisterly love. At a deeper level, it explores themes of temptation, sin, female agency, sacrifice, and the complexities of female desire. It serves as a rich and thought-provoking text that continues to be analysed and appreciated for its exploration of societal, moral, and personal issues.