Symbolism in Goblin Market

The Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti features a large amount of symbolism. For example, swans are mentioned, which are white, often a symbol of purity and goodness. They also have long necks which are exposed. This could represent danger. Swans are as a simile to describe Laura, and swans are often linked to stories of losing purity and virginity. This shows the Goblin Men may take her purity from her.

Fruit is also used, which could represent temptation, going back to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Adam was tempted by the Forbidden Fruit, which, nowadays is often linked to temptation in sexuality. This again can be linked to the Goblin Men tempting the two girls and taking away their purity or virginity.

The golden hair could reference youth, as colourful hair shows youth, yet greying hair shows age. When Laura gives her hair to the Goblin Men, she may be giving away her youth and with that her health, as she gets ill and aged after eating their fruit.