Explore the ways Rossetti presents attitudes towards death in 'Up-Hill' and other poems.
Up-Hill
In Up-Hill death, at least in pursuit of heaven, is viewed as a rest at the end of the long journey that is life.
Key Quotes:
'Will the day's journey take the whole long day?'
'Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?'
'Will there be beds for me and all who seek?'
'They will not keep you standing at that door'
'Of labour you shall find the sum.'
'Yea, beds for all who come.'
Song (When I am dead, my dearest)
In Song, the speaker is telling a loved one how they wish their death to be handled. It concentrates on a desire for as little cliché mourning as possible.
Key Quotes:
'Sing no sad songs for me;'
'Plant thou no roses at my head,'
'And if thou wilt remember, and if thou wilt forget'
'Haply I may remember, and haply may forget'
Remember
Remember takes the opposite stance to Soong, where the speaker begs for those left behind to remember them, however, as the poem goes on the voice changes to say how they don't mind if the bereaved forget.
Key Quotes:
'Remember me when I am gone away, gone far away into the silent land'
'Yet if you should forget me for a while and afterwards remember, do not grieve.'
'Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad.'
Echo
In echo, death is seen as something that soon becomes boring.
Key Quotes:
'... in Paradise, where souls brimfull of love abide and meet; where thirsting longing eyes watch the slow door that opening, letting in, lets out no more.
In the Round Tower at Jhansi
In this poem, death is viewed as a swift, merciful release when the characters are faced with a painful death otherwise.
Key Quotes:
"Kiss and kiss: 'It is not pain thus to kiss and die. One kiss more.'-'And yet one again.'-'Goodbye.'-'Goodbye.'
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
'Echo' Worksheet Answers
1. Summarise the poem's content briefly
The poem follows an unspecified voice who longs for a long lost/dead loved one. It goes on to explore the speaker's thoughts and experiences of 'paradise', or a form of afterlife.
2. What tone is used by he speaker at the start with the imperative verb in 'come to me'?
This opening imperative, when taken out of context, could be interpreted as harsh or commanding, but when taken in context, it seems more of a plea, or an outcry of longing or loneliness. The repetition of the phrase further indicates that it is more of a plea than any sort of actual, tangible command.
3. Why do they feel this way?
The speaker may have been given course to feel this way due to the implied loss or death of a loved one. Another interpretation of the speaker's anguish is a more religious interpretation, where-upon the speaker has lost faith or 'touch' with God, or their own belief in God.
4. In stanza 2 the speaker imagines paradise. What is it like? How does (s)he use poetic techniques to describe paradise? Explain the impression given by the language.
The speaker describes paradise as being the home of 'souls brimfull of love'. Despite the seemingly positive nature of this image, it soon turns out to be rather the opposite. The speaker continues, saying: 'Where thirsting longing eyes watch he slow door that opening, letting in, lets out no more'. This, when compared to the previous image, is a much darker and bleak image. This passage gives an impression that, despite being 'paradise', the afterlife leaves the souls of the dead unsatisfied, or even bored. It suggests that due to the fact that they can never again leave this 'paradise' they begin to foster an extreme longing for what, or who, they had left behind in the world of the living.
The use of repetition in the first line of the stanza 'sweet, too sweet, too bitter sweet' shows that while paradise may, at first, seem like a good, or 'sweet', thing it soon becomes 'too sweet' and then 'too bitter sweet' after being there for too long. This gives the impression that paradise may not be all it is said to be.
5.In the final stanza there is a change in tone with the connective 'yet', how will the speaker's problem be solved?
The connective 'yet' serves as a turning point for the speaker. It is at this point that the speaker abandons the bleak tone that was adopted for the first two stanzas and seems to adopt a more introspective, hopeful tone. The speaker's problem looks to be solved by way of a form of psuedo-resurrection of the speaker's lost loved one. The speaker says: 'come to me in dreams, that I may live my very life again tho' cold in death'. This shows that the speaker would be satisfied with simply seeing their lost one in a dream, to a point where it would make them feel 'alive' again. This vivid mental image is succeeded by a more physical, but still dream-like image, in 'that I may give pulse for pulse, breath for breath; speak low, lean low.'
The poem follows an unspecified voice who longs for a long lost/dead loved one. It goes on to explore the speaker's thoughts and experiences of 'paradise', or a form of afterlife.
2. What tone is used by he speaker at the start with the imperative verb in 'come to me'?
This opening imperative, when taken out of context, could be interpreted as harsh or commanding, but when taken in context, it seems more of a plea, or an outcry of longing or loneliness. The repetition of the phrase further indicates that it is more of a plea than any sort of actual, tangible command.
3. Why do they feel this way?
The speaker may have been given course to feel this way due to the implied loss or death of a loved one. Another interpretation of the speaker's anguish is a more religious interpretation, where-upon the speaker has lost faith or 'touch' with God, or their own belief in God.
4. In stanza 2 the speaker imagines paradise. What is it like? How does (s)he use poetic techniques to describe paradise? Explain the impression given by the language.
The speaker describes paradise as being the home of 'souls brimfull of love'. Despite the seemingly positive nature of this image, it soon turns out to be rather the opposite. The speaker continues, saying: 'Where thirsting longing eyes watch he slow door that opening, letting in, lets out no more'. This, when compared to the previous image, is a much darker and bleak image. This passage gives an impression that, despite being 'paradise', the afterlife leaves the souls of the dead unsatisfied, or even bored. It suggests that due to the fact that they can never again leave this 'paradise' they begin to foster an extreme longing for what, or who, they had left behind in the world of the living.
The use of repetition in the first line of the stanza 'sweet, too sweet, too bitter sweet' shows that while paradise may, at first, seem like a good, or 'sweet', thing it soon becomes 'too sweet' and then 'too bitter sweet' after being there for too long. This gives the impression that paradise may not be all it is said to be.
5.In the final stanza there is a change in tone with the connective 'yet', how will the speaker's problem be solved?
The connective 'yet' serves as a turning point for the speaker. It is at this point that the speaker abandons the bleak tone that was adopted for the first two stanzas and seems to adopt a more introspective, hopeful tone. The speaker's problem looks to be solved by way of a form of psuedo-resurrection of the speaker's lost loved one. The speaker says: 'come to me in dreams, that I may live my very life again tho' cold in death'. This shows that the speaker would be satisfied with simply seeing their lost one in a dream, to a point where it would make them feel 'alive' again. This vivid mental image is succeeded by a more physical, but still dream-like image, in 'that I may give pulse for pulse, breath for breath; speak low, lean low.'
Friday, 20 November 2015
Class Work for 13/11/2015 (Unfinished)
Task #1 - Read the Article, Make Notes On the Title, Author and the Date of Publication
The title of the article is 'Old South versus New America - A Streetcar Named Desire' The title immediately tells us which aspect of the play the author has chosen to comment on. That aspect being the representation or re-telling of the American Civil War story through the parallel characters of Stanley & Blanche.
The Author is Gabi Reigh, and English teacher at Farnborough College.
This article was published in September 2015.
Summarise the Main Point of the Article (About 200 Words)
In the article, Reigh discusses the conflict between a set of values and cultural attitudes in Streetcar, particularly the 'battle' between two characters, Stanley & Blanche. The main point in this article is that the struggle between the two is a re-telling of the American Civil War, with Blanche representing the archaic deep south and Stanley being symbolic of the new, modern north. Reigh says that this opposition is apparent right from the beginning, with the characters parallel costumes, as if uniforms of the two armies of soldiers. Blanche represents the old south, and is a 'staunch defender of the values of art, poetry and music.' Reigh goes on to say that Blanche's decline over the course of the play is reflective of the crisis of the Old South after its defeat in the civil war. Stanley is very much the image of the new, prosperous and progressive America. In his blue work clothes, likely an imitation of the blue civil war uniform of the North,
Task #2 - Pick out 5 key
The title of the article is 'Old South versus New America - A Streetcar Named Desire' The title immediately tells us which aspect of the play the author has chosen to comment on. That aspect being the representation or re-telling of the American Civil War story through the parallel characters of Stanley & Blanche.
The Author is Gabi Reigh, and English teacher at Farnborough College.
This article was published in September 2015.
Summarise the Main Point of the Article (About 200 Words)
In the article, Reigh discusses the conflict between a set of values and cultural attitudes in Streetcar, particularly the 'battle' between two characters, Stanley & Blanche. The main point in this article is that the struggle between the two is a re-telling of the American Civil War, with Blanche representing the archaic deep south and Stanley being symbolic of the new, modern north. Reigh says that this opposition is apparent right from the beginning, with the characters parallel costumes, as if uniforms of the two armies of soldiers. Blanche represents the old south, and is a 'staunch defender of the values of art, poetry and music.' Reigh goes on to say that Blanche's decline over the course of the play is reflective of the crisis of the Old South after its defeat in the civil war. Stanley is very much the image of the new, prosperous and progressive America. In his blue work clothes, likely an imitation of the blue civil war uniform of the North,
Task #2 - Pick out 5 key
Friday, 6 November 2015
Class Work for 06/11/2015
Task #1 - Summarise and choose a key quote from your reading of Arthur Miller's introduction to the play.
In his introduction to the play, Arthur Miller writes about the firs time he saw 'A Streetcar Named Desire' performed on stage, and how the play changed the world of theatre. He said that this play distinguished itself from most other plays at the time because of its unusual realism in terms of character and dialogue. He talks about the poetic, soulful nature of the play and the influence that it had on he future of theatre.
At the end of the introduction, Miller says that. over time, through stagnation and over-performance streetcar has lot it's edge. Talking about how uninspired some of the actors portraying the characters were, he says: "Their characters have been turned to stone, their eyes to marble. Streetcar is a cry of pain; forgetting that is to forget the play."
Task #2 - Research and make notes on the following:
Southern Belle: This term refers to the stereotypical representation of a young women in the upper class of America's 'Deep South'. Characteristics of a typical 'Southern Belle' include: Refined clothes such as dresses and corsets and pale porcelain skin.
They were also expected to marry into wealth and status. They were supposed to raise a family and dedicate themselves to community. Another expectation of the 'Southern Belle' is that they maintained a 'flirtatious yet chaste demeanor'.
New Orleans: New Orleans has always been one of the most culturally diverse cities in America, as well as being the biggest city in the state of Louisiana The 'melting pot' of races, identities and cultures has produced many unique festivals, types of music and food.While it has wealthy areas, much of the city (which was traditionally split into 'quarters') is relatively poor.
Immigration to the United States in the 20th Century: At the start of the 20th century, immigrants coming into the USA mostly consisted of Eastern and Southern Europeans (about 70%), mostly coming in search of work, or a 'better life'. Immigration hit a high of 9 million in the first decade of the new century. Many of these European immigrants were used as cheap labour in areas such as: coal mining, steel mills, textile mills and needlework factories. The work and living conditions were unsanitary and often dangerous. An Italian saying sums up the feelings of many immigrants of the time: "I came to America because I heard the streets were paved with gold. When I got here, found out three things: First, the streets weren't paved with gold; second, they weren't paved at all: and third, I was expected to pave them."
Tennessee Williams' Other Plays: Williams had a career spanning almost half a century. Aside from Streetcar, some of his other most famous plays include: The Glass Menagerie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Sweet Bird of Youth. Williams also wrote novels, short stories and poetry.
Williams' Life and Times: Tennessee Williams was born in Columbus, Mississippi on the 26th of March in the year 1911. His father was an alcoholic, often abusive travelling salesman, who was not often at home. His mother was the typical doting 'Southern Belle', who focused much of her attention and affection on her son. During his early years, Williams was often sick, once with a particularly bad case of Diptheria which nearly caused his death and left him recuperating for a year.
When he was 8, his father was promoted, which required the family to move to St. Louis, Missouri. The move affected the family greatly, the move causing a case of psuedo-culture shock.
Over the course of his life, Williams struggled with coming to terms with his homosexuality, and went through several turbulent relationships and affairs with various men.
In his later life, he began to struggle with both alcohol and drug addiction.
Four years before his death, Williams was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
On the 25th of February, 1983, Williams was found dead in his hotel room. Initially, it was believed that he had choked to death, but it was later reported that he died of a drug overdose.
Task #3 - Key Character Quotes
Blanche:
Stanley:
Stella:
In his introduction to the play, Arthur Miller writes about the firs time he saw 'A Streetcar Named Desire' performed on stage, and how the play changed the world of theatre. He said that this play distinguished itself from most other plays at the time because of its unusual realism in terms of character and dialogue. He talks about the poetic, soulful nature of the play and the influence that it had on he future of theatre.
At the end of the introduction, Miller says that. over time, through stagnation and over-performance streetcar has lot it's edge. Talking about how uninspired some of the actors portraying the characters were, he says: "Their characters have been turned to stone, their eyes to marble. Streetcar is a cry of pain; forgetting that is to forget the play."
Task #2 - Research and make notes on the following:
Southern Belle: This term refers to the stereotypical representation of a young women in the upper class of America's 'Deep South'. Characteristics of a typical 'Southern Belle' include: Refined clothes such as dresses and corsets and pale porcelain skin.
They were also expected to marry into wealth and status. They were supposed to raise a family and dedicate themselves to community. Another expectation of the 'Southern Belle' is that they maintained a 'flirtatious yet chaste demeanor'.
New Orleans: New Orleans has always been one of the most culturally diverse cities in America, as well as being the biggest city in the state of Louisiana The 'melting pot' of races, identities and cultures has produced many unique festivals, types of music and food.While it has wealthy areas, much of the city (which was traditionally split into 'quarters') is relatively poor.
Immigration to the United States in the 20th Century: At the start of the 20th century, immigrants coming into the USA mostly consisted of Eastern and Southern Europeans (about 70%), mostly coming in search of work, or a 'better life'. Immigration hit a high of 9 million in the first decade of the new century. Many of these European immigrants were used as cheap labour in areas such as: coal mining, steel mills, textile mills and needlework factories. The work and living conditions were unsanitary and often dangerous. An Italian saying sums up the feelings of many immigrants of the time: "I came to America because I heard the streets were paved with gold. When I got here, found out three things: First, the streets weren't paved with gold; second, they weren't paved at all: and third, I was expected to pave them."
Tennessee Williams' Other Plays: Williams had a career spanning almost half a century. Aside from Streetcar, some of his other most famous plays include: The Glass Menagerie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Sweet Bird of Youth. Williams also wrote novels, short stories and poetry.
Williams' Life and Times: Tennessee Williams was born in Columbus, Mississippi on the 26th of March in the year 1911. His father was an alcoholic, often abusive travelling salesman, who was not often at home. His mother was the typical doting 'Southern Belle', who focused much of her attention and affection on her son. During his early years, Williams was often sick, once with a particularly bad case of Diptheria which nearly caused his death and left him recuperating for a year.
When he was 8, his father was promoted, which required the family to move to St. Louis, Missouri. The move affected the family greatly, the move causing a case of psuedo-culture shock.
Over the course of his life, Williams struggled with coming to terms with his homosexuality, and went through several turbulent relationships and affairs with various men.
In his later life, he began to struggle with both alcohol and drug addiction.
Four years before his death, Williams was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
On the 25th of February, 1983, Williams was found dead in his hotel room. Initially, it was believed that he had choked to death, but it was later reported that he died of a drug overdose.
Task #3 - Key Character Quotes
Blanche:
- "Deliberate cruelty is unforgivable, and the one thing of which I have never,ever been guilty of."
- "I don't want realism. I want magic! Yes, yes, magic. I try to give that to people. I do misrepresent things. I don't tell truths. I tell what ought to be truth."
- "I know I fib a good deal. After all, a woman's charm is 50% illusion."
- "Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers."
Stanley:
- "I never met a dame yet that didn't know if she was good-looking or not without being told, and there's some of them that give themselves credit for more than they've got."
- "Now that's how I'm gonna clear the table. Don't you ever talk that way to me. 'Pig,' 'Pollack,' 'disgusting,' 'vulgar,' 'greasy.' Those kind of words have been on your tongue and your sister's tongue just too much around here. What do you think you are? A pair of queens? Now just remember what Huey Long said - that every man's a king - and I'm the King around here, and don't you forget it."
- "You know what luck is? Luck is believing you're lucky, that's all... To hold a front position in this rat-race, you've got to believe you are lucky"
Stella:
- "The blind are leading the blind!"
- "Actually, I was sorta thrilled by it."
- " I never listen to you when you're being morbid."
- " I wish you'd stop taking it for granted that I'm in something I want to get out of."
Tuesday, 3 November 2015
Analysis of 'Echo'
'Echo' is a lyric poem, composed by Christina Rossetti in 1854, and published in the compilation 'Goblin Market and Other Poems' in 1862.
Synopsis
In 'Echo', the speaker is calling a lost loved one back to them. It is implied that the speaker is dead ("tho' cold in death"), and wants their loved one to visit them in their dreams so that they may relive the 'love of finished years'.
Themes
Longing
The main theme of 'Echo' is longing. This is expressed throughout the poem, and can be seen right from the outset with the repetition of the word 'Come'. Over the course of the poem, the speaker makes clear their desire for the return, at least in memory, of their loved one. Longing is further expressed by way of the repeated call to the speakers loved one, no matter whether they will hear or not, the speaker continues to call.
Echoes
While being the titular concept, the word 'echo' is never said outright in the poem. Despite this, the titles relevance is displayed through the repetition of the poem's voice. However, it serves as a stark and depressing revelation to the speaker. A revelation that despite all of their efforts to be heard, all that they will ever hear is the echo of their desires, implying that they will never be fulfilled.
Imagery & Symbolism
Eyes
In the poem, there are a few occasions in which the speaker mentions 'eyes'. This is a relevant concept because, while the speaker is implied to be dead (either literally or metaphorically), the eyes are often referred to as the 'window of the soul'.
In line 3, the speaker refers to "eyes as bright, as sunlight on a stream". This is a youthful, alive image, presumably a juxtaposition to the 'eyes' of the speaker. It is also a typical technique of Rossetti to refer to nature and natural beauty. This can be seen in many of her poems. The running theme of 'echoing is referenced again in the image of a sunlit stream, in which it is common to see your reflection. This could be interpreted as a sort of 'visual echo'.
Water
Water is referenced several times in this poem, taking several different forms over its course
Uncertainty/Confusion
While the speaker claims to be in a 'paradise', this seems as though a farce or lie. The speaker feels that without their loved one, no matter where they are it will still be a cold, lonely place. This uncertainty is more clear towards the end of the poem. This is done by the speaker, when they, almost beg, the addressed to "come to me in dreams, that I may live". This shows that the longing that the speaker has produces some incredibly strong feelings, however, these feelings could be interpreted as nonsensical or distorted.
Oxymoron
The use of oxymoron is one way in which Rossetti expressed the uncertainty or confusion of the speaker. Examples of oxymoron in the poem include: 'speaking silence', 'bitter sweet' and, in the last stanza the concepts of 'life' and 'death' are paired.
Repetition/'Echo'
Repetition is found throughout the poem. The structure of the poem itself is representative of echoes and how they are produced and bounce back. This could have been utilised as a representation of the speaker attempting to simulate, or recall, some of the times had with their loved one.
Despite this, more positive, image, the repetition in the first stanza is more indicative of impatience, as well as the silence upon which the speaker's requests fall. The lack of response, and return of the sounds show that there is no one there to hear the speaker's pleas.
Sibilance/Alliteration
The first stanza contains an abundance of sibilance. The repeated 's' sounds create a hushed atmosphere. In the second and third stanzas, the alliteration of the sounds 'w' and 'l' helps the poem to flow better.
Assonance
The assonance of the 'ea' vowel sound throughout the poem is an apparent reference to the running theme of 'echoes' throughout the poem. Despite the fact that they do not all rhyme, the words: ‘speaking', ‘dream', ‘stream', ‘tears', ‘years', ‘death' and ‘breath' all share the same internal combination of vowels. This causes more of a visual echo than an auditory one.
Structure
Rhyme
This poem uses an ABABCC rhyme scheme, could be seen as reflective of the speaker's feeling or emotions. This idea of change and movement is exemplified in the fact that none of the rhymes are carried over to the next verse or stanza. Rossetti also uses rhyme to compare opposites. For example 'night' & 'bright', or 'breath' and 'death'.
Metre
The variety of metric form in the poem are indicative of the emotional changes the speaker goes through as they attempt to come to terms with the inevitability of their situation.
Synopsis
In 'Echo', the speaker is calling a lost loved one back to them. It is implied that the speaker is dead ("tho' cold in death"), and wants their loved one to visit them in their dreams so that they may relive the 'love of finished years'.
Themes
Longing
The main theme of 'Echo' is longing. This is expressed throughout the poem, and can be seen right from the outset with the repetition of the word 'Come'. Over the course of the poem, the speaker makes clear their desire for the return, at least in memory, of their loved one. Longing is further expressed by way of the repeated call to the speakers loved one, no matter whether they will hear or not, the speaker continues to call.
Echoes
While being the titular concept, the word 'echo' is never said outright in the poem. Despite this, the titles relevance is displayed through the repetition of the poem's voice. However, it serves as a stark and depressing revelation to the speaker. A revelation that despite all of their efforts to be heard, all that they will ever hear is the echo of their desires, implying that they will never be fulfilled.
Imagery & Symbolism
Eyes
In the poem, there are a few occasions in which the speaker mentions 'eyes'. This is a relevant concept because, while the speaker is implied to be dead (either literally or metaphorically), the eyes are often referred to as the 'window of the soul'.
In line 3, the speaker refers to "eyes as bright, as sunlight on a stream". This is a youthful, alive image, presumably a juxtaposition to the 'eyes' of the speaker. It is also a typical technique of Rossetti to refer to nature and natural beauty. This can be seen in many of her poems. The running theme of 'echoing is referenced again in the image of a sunlit stream, in which it is common to see your reflection. This could be interpreted as a sort of 'visual echo'.
Water
Water is referenced several times in this poem, taking several different forms over its course
- The Stream - As well as the 'visual echo' metaphor contained within the image of the sunlit stream, images of tranquillity, peace and steady movement are conveyed.
- Tears - The speaker requests that their lover come back to them "in tears". Aside from the obvious connotation of sadness or grief, tears can also signify deep, heartfelt emotion.
- 'Brimful' - This term, meaning overflowing, is often associated with water. The speaker uses it to describe the souls in paradise as being 'brimful of love'. This is an image of abundance, perhaps something the speaker feels will be appealing or inviting to their loved one.
Uncertainty/Confusion
While the speaker claims to be in a 'paradise', this seems as though a farce or lie. The speaker feels that without their loved one, no matter where they are it will still be a cold, lonely place. This uncertainty is more clear towards the end of the poem. This is done by the speaker, when they, almost beg, the addressed to "come to me in dreams, that I may live". This shows that the longing that the speaker has produces some incredibly strong feelings, however, these feelings could be interpreted as nonsensical or distorted.
Oxymoron
The use of oxymoron is one way in which Rossetti expressed the uncertainty or confusion of the speaker. Examples of oxymoron in the poem include: 'speaking silence', 'bitter sweet' and, in the last stanza the concepts of 'life' and 'death' are paired.
Repetition/'Echo'
Repetition is found throughout the poem. The structure of the poem itself is representative of echoes and how they are produced and bounce back. This could have been utilised as a representation of the speaker attempting to simulate, or recall, some of the times had with their loved one.
Despite this, more positive, image, the repetition in the first stanza is more indicative of impatience, as well as the silence upon which the speaker's requests fall. The lack of response, and return of the sounds show that there is no one there to hear the speaker's pleas.
Sibilance/Alliteration
The first stanza contains an abundance of sibilance. The repeated 's' sounds create a hushed atmosphere. In the second and third stanzas, the alliteration of the sounds 'w' and 'l' helps the poem to flow better.
Assonance
The assonance of the 'ea' vowel sound throughout the poem is an apparent reference to the running theme of 'echoes' throughout the poem. Despite the fact that they do not all rhyme, the words: ‘speaking', ‘dream', ‘stream', ‘tears', ‘years', ‘death' and ‘breath' all share the same internal combination of vowels. This causes more of a visual echo than an auditory one.
Structure
Rhyme
This poem uses an ABABCC rhyme scheme, could be seen as reflective of the speaker's feeling or emotions. This idea of change and movement is exemplified in the fact that none of the rhymes are carried over to the next verse or stanza. Rossetti also uses rhyme to compare opposites. For example 'night' & 'bright', or 'breath' and 'death'.
Metre
The variety of metric form in the poem are indicative of the emotional changes the speaker goes through as they attempt to come to terms with the inevitability of their situation.
Monday, 2 November 2015
Goblin Market Summary
Goblin Market is a narrative poem by Christina Rossetti. Written in 1859 and published in 1862, the poem has been interpreted as having themes such as: femininity, sex, addiction, sin and violence.
The poem begins with two sisters, Lizzie and Laura, together in a glen. Passing by are a troop of 'Goblin Men', who are selling fruit. Lizzie warns Laura to be wary of the Goblin Men and their fruit, and attempts to hide and run away from them. However, despite Lizzie's warnings, Laura is tempted by the goblin men and purchases some fruit at the cost of a curl of her golden hair.
After gorging herself on the Goblin fruit, Laura returns home and sleeps.
Throughout the next day, Laura finds herself longing for the fruits she tasted the previous night. When night eventually comes Laura cannot hear the cries of the Goblin Men. However, Lizzie, who had not tasted the fruit the night before, can hear the Goblin Men approaching.
After discovering that she can no longer hear the Goblin Men, therefore meaning she is unable to buy their fruits, Laura falls in to a depressed state. She begins to sicken both mentally and physically. After months of steady deterioration, Lizzie realises that her sister is on the verge of death. Knowing this, she resolves to make the journey to purchase some of the Goblin fruit herself, intending to feed it to her sister to make her well again.
Upon encountering the Goblin Men, she tosses them a silver penny and asks for some fruit. The Goblins are originally compliant, but soon turn hostile when she refuses to eat it there and then, intending to take it home to feed Laura. The Goblins attack Lizzie in an attempt to force-feed her the fruits. After bravely withstanding their vicious assault, the Goblins give up and she returns home.
As soon as she returns, she feeds Laura the juices directly from her body.
The next morning, Laura has returned to her original state. It is then shown that when the two sisters eventually have their own children, they warn them of the Goblin Men, and tell them of the power of their sisterly bond.
The poem begins with two sisters, Lizzie and Laura, together in a glen. Passing by are a troop of 'Goblin Men', who are selling fruit. Lizzie warns Laura to be wary of the Goblin Men and their fruit, and attempts to hide and run away from them. However, despite Lizzie's warnings, Laura is tempted by the goblin men and purchases some fruit at the cost of a curl of her golden hair.
After gorging herself on the Goblin fruit, Laura returns home and sleeps.
Throughout the next day, Laura finds herself longing for the fruits she tasted the previous night. When night eventually comes Laura cannot hear the cries of the Goblin Men. However, Lizzie, who had not tasted the fruit the night before, can hear the Goblin Men approaching.
After discovering that she can no longer hear the Goblin Men, therefore meaning she is unable to buy their fruits, Laura falls in to a depressed state. She begins to sicken both mentally and physically. After months of steady deterioration, Lizzie realises that her sister is on the verge of death. Knowing this, she resolves to make the journey to purchase some of the Goblin fruit herself, intending to feed it to her sister to make her well again.
Upon encountering the Goblin Men, she tosses them a silver penny and asks for some fruit. The Goblins are originally compliant, but soon turn hostile when she refuses to eat it there and then, intending to take it home to feed Laura. The Goblins attack Lizzie in an attempt to force-feed her the fruits. After bravely withstanding their vicious assault, the Goblins give up and she returns home.
As soon as she returns, she feeds Laura the juices directly from her body.
The next morning, Laura has returned to her original state. It is then shown that when the two sisters eventually have their own children, they warn them of the Goblin Men, and tell them of the power of their sisterly bond.
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