After telling the story of the Goblin Market to their children, Laura says that the moral of the story is to do with sisterly heroism.
Does sisterly heroism seem to be the moral of the Goblin Market?
Laura and Lizzie are being compared to the two white ivory sceptors with gold on their ends.
Only women can hear the goblins. Are the men completely absent in the world of Goblin Market or do the goblin men not represent a threat to them?
Looking at the goblin men was dangerous. Young women should know nothing about sex therefore that could be corresponding to the widespread belief in Victorian Britain. Even the barest knowledge about sex could contaminate women and make them less pure.
Goblin Market has many recurring themes within its context. One of the prominent themes were sister comradry and love. It is evident that throughout the poem, Laura and Lizzie’s relationship is close. Laura looks up to Lizzie and Lizzie is protective of her younger sister. The relationship that Laura and Lizzie have is reflective of the friendships that are shared between the women during Christina Rossetti’s lifetime.
Lizzie being the wiser and older sister does already know the tricks of the worldly goblins that represents the men of Rossetti’s life, perhaps even her brother themselves. Lizzie warns her sister Laura, “their offers will not charm us, their evil gifts will not harm us.” Lizzie believes that the goblins’ enticements are to be no more than lures to seduce the eager and naive Laura.
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