Christina Rossetti: A Dirty Liar!

Not too long ago, I had the chance to read Christina Rossetti's poem Goblin Market. I'll get things started by saying that I think it's a great poem and I fell in love with it right away. The poem's rhyme scheme is inviting and easy to follow and it contains a story that has a discernible plot. While it's a breeze to understand, there is still enough elevated language to satisfy your desire to be challenged as a reader. If you haven't read it, please do so here. Trust me when I say you want to read this poem.

Now that I have introduced the poem, let's get to the juicy stuff! Goblin Market invites so many different interpretations and readings. While the poem is about two sisters, naughty Laura and her savior Lizzie, no one knows what's really going on. Rossetti herself has contributed to all the uncertainty surrounding this poem. Upon its original publication, Rossetti stated that it was a poem intended for adult audiences. However, later on, Rossetti claimed that it was a children's poem and that it had always been so. Unreliable author alert! In my mind, there is absolutely no question that this is a poem for adults. The following lines are enough to make me shift in my seat and turn bright red:

"Never mind my bruises,

Hug me, kiss me, suck my juices"

AND

"Eat me, drink me, love me;

Laura, make much of me"

Uhm, I'm sorry, Rossetti, but no one is convinced that this has always been a poem for kids. Now, most young children probably won't quite understand the sexual connotation of the poem, but those of us who have already hit puberty know what's going on here. Another reason I know the truth has to do with my ability to see. I have seen the original illustration printed on the cover of the book of poems from which Goblin Market comes. Take a look at this illustration, done by Rossetti's brother, and tell me what you think:

Well, look what we have here. Two women in a passionate embrace. Oh, what is that I see? Looks like some clothing pulled back to expose skin. Not only is the language of the poem sexually suggestive, the accompanying illustration is naughty, too! The evidence is completely stacked against you, Rossetti. You are a filthy liar!

I'm sorry to call you such a mean name, Rossetti, but you deserve it. You got sisters sucking juices and you expect me to believe you wrote this for a bunch of kids? Get real! Like wise Lizzie, I know better than to buy this lie that you are trying to feed me.