This essay explores how "Goblin Market" deals with the concept of the fallen woman, personified in both Jeanie and Laura. In Victorian times, one of the virtues associated with the ideal middle- and upper-class woman, the so-called 'angel in the house', was chastity. Women who lost their virtue out of wedlock or had sexual relations with a man other than their husband were considered 'fallen woman'. For these women, finding a suitable husband was usually out of the question. They could try to find a job, and in the worst case, ended up as prostitutes. Christina Rossetti helped reintegrate fallen women into society. Nevertheless,
Rossetti probably did not think that women should have the same sexual freedom as men. Many of her works deal with innocence and temptation, and the consequences of becoming a fallen woman. In this essay, it shall be explained how Goblin Market deals with the concept of the fallen woman, personified in both Jeanie and Laura.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines Christina Rossetti's poem "Goblin Market" through the lens of Victorian society's treatment of "fallen women." The analysis explores how Rossetti portrays the consequences of female sexuality and the societal pressures placed upon women to maintain chastity. The essay also considers the poem's potential critique of Victorian gender roles and morality.
- The concept of the "fallen woman" in Victorian society
- Symbolism of flowers and fruit in "Goblin Market"
- The contrasting fates of Laura and Jeanie
- Rossetti's portrayal of female sexuality and agency
- The poem as a social commentary on Victorian morality
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This essay analyzes Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market," focusing on its depiction of the "fallen woman" within the context of Victorian societal norms. It examines how the poem portrays the consequences of female sexuality and the pressures on women to maintain chastity, and explores the poem's possible critique of Victorian gender roles and morality. The essay will analyze the symbolism of flowers and fruit, the contrasting fates of Laura and Jeanie, and Rossetti's presentation of female sexuality and agency. The poem’s use of these elements to comment on Victorian morality will also be explored.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Christina Rossetti, Goblin Market, fallen woman, Victorian society, female sexuality, chastity, symbolism, social commentary, gender roles, morality, innocence, temptation.
Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market": A Language Preview - FAQ
What is this document?
This is a language preview providing a structured overview of an essay analyzing Christina Rossetti's poem "Goblin Market." It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What is the main focus of the essay?
The essay examines Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market" through the lens of Victorian society's treatment of "fallen women." It explores how Rossetti portrays the consequences of female sexuality and the societal pressures on women to maintain chastity.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the concept of the "fallen woman" in Victorian society, the symbolism of flowers and fruit in the poem, the contrasting fates of Laura and Jeanie, Rossetti's portrayal of female sexuality and agency, and the poem as a social commentary on Victorian morality.
What are the key concepts discussed in the introduction?
The introduction sets the stage by outlining the essay's focus on "Goblin Market" and its depiction of the "fallen woman" within Victorian societal norms. It previews the analysis of female sexuality, societal pressures for chastity, potential critiques of Victorian gender roles and morality, symbolism, and the contrasting fates of the poem's main characters.
What symbolism is analyzed in the essay?
The essay analyzes the symbolism of flowers and fruit within "Goblin Market" as it relates to the themes of temptation, innocence, and the consequences of female sexuality within Victorian societal expectations.
How are the characters Laura and Jeanie contrasted?
The essay explores the contrasting fates of Laura and Jeanie to highlight the different outcomes associated with succumbing to or resisting temptation and societal pressures related to female sexuality in Victorian society.
What is the essay's perspective on Rossetti's portrayal of female sexuality and agency?
The essay examines how Rossetti portrays female sexuality and the degree of agency women possessed within the restrictive context of Victorian morality and societal expectations.
How does the essay view "Goblin Market" as a social commentary?
The essay analyzes "Goblin Market" as a social commentary on Victorian morality, exploring how Rossetti uses the poem's imagery, narrative, and characters to critique or reflect upon the societal norms and expectations surrounding female sexuality and behavior.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
Keywords include Christina Rossetti, Goblin Market, fallen woman, Victorian society, female sexuality, chastity, symbolism, social commentary, gender roles, morality, innocence, and temptation.
- Quote paper
- Michelle Blum (Author), 2016, The Fallen Woman in Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1128279
