BEGC 110: British Literature – 19th Century is a subject offered at IGNOU as a component of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English (BAEGH) program. This course explores the extensive literary works produced in 19th century Britain, a time marked by significant societal transformations, the industrial revolution, and the development of different literary techniques.
BEGC 110 Course Details
Course Code: BEGC 110
Title of the Course: British Literature – 19th Century
No of Credits: 6
| University | IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) |
| Title | British Literature – 19th Century |
| Language(s) | English |
| Code | BEGC-110 |
| Subject | English |
| Degree(s) | BA (Honours), BAEGH |
| Course Generic | Core Course (CC) |
| Assignment Question Paper | Download |
BEGC 110 Study Material Free Download Link
| Block 1 | A Tale of Two Cities | Download |
| Block 2 | The Mayor of Casterbridge | Download |
| Block 3 | Victorian Poetry-I | Download |
| Block 4 | Victorian Poetry-II | Download |
BEGC 110 Previous Year Question Papers
| JUNE 25 | DECEMBER 24 | JUNE 24 |
| DECEMBER 23 | JUNE 23 | DECEMBER 22 |
BEGC 110 Assignment Question Paper
BEGC 110 Solved Assignment
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SECTION – A
Q.I Explain the following lines with reference to context:
Ans.
(i) “This is my son, mine own Telemachus, …”
Source: “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Context and Explanation:
These lines are from Tennyson’s dramatic monologue “Ulysses,” where the speaker is the legendary Greek hero Ulysses (Odysseus in Greek mythology). Ulysses is addressing his son, Telemachus, as he contemplates his own future and legacy.
- “This is my son, mine own Telemachus”: Ulysses introduces his son, recognizing him as his rightful heir.
- “To whom I leave the sceptre and the isle,—”: Ulysses is passing on the responsibilities of ruling Ithaca to Telemachus.
- “Well-loved of me, discerning to fulfil”: He acknowledges his deep affection for Telemachus and his confidence in Telemachus’s abilities.
- “This labour, by slow prudence to make mild”: Ulysses trusts Telemachus to govern wisely and gently, contrasting his own adventurous spirit.
- “A rugged people, and thro’ soft degrees”: He recognizes the people of Ithaca as difficult but believes Telemachus can civilize them gradually.
- “Subdue them to the useful and the good.”: The goal is to transform the populace into a more orderly and productive society through Telemachus’s prudent leadership.
(ii) “A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch …”
Source: “Meeting at Night” by Robert Browning
Context and Explanation:
These lines are from Robert Browning’s poem “Meeting at Night,” which describes the narrator’s secret journey to meet their lover. The poem captures the excitement and anticipation of the lovers’ clandestine meeting.
- “A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch”: The narrator taps on the window pane, signaling their arrival, followed by the striking of a match to light the way.
- “And blue spurt of a lighted match,”: The lighting of the match signifies a small but crucial moment in their reunion.
- “And a voice less loud, thro’ its joys and fears,”: The narrator hears a voice, subdued by emotions of both joy and apprehension.
- “Than the two hearts beating each to each!”: The beating of their hearts in unison emphasizes their deep connection and the intensity of their emotions.
(iii) “This said, he left them, and return’d no more.— …”
Source: “The Scholar Gypsy” by Matthew Arnold
Context and Explanation:
These lines come from Matthew Arnold’s poem “The Scholar Gypsy,” which tells the story of a scholar who abandons his academic life to join a group of gypsies and learn their ways. The poem meditates on the tension between the intellectual life and the allure of a more spontaneous, unstructured existence.
- “This said, he left them, and return’d no more.—”: After his farewell, the scholar abandons his academic peers and does not come back to them.
- “But rumours hung about the country-side,”: Rumors circulate in the countryside about the scholar’s fate.
- “That the lost Scholar long was seen to stray,”: He is often seen wandering alone, suggesting a life of solitary reflection and quest for deeper knowledge.
- “Seen by rare glimpses, pensive and tongue-tied,”: He appears occasionally, contemplative and silent, indicating a profound transformation.
- “In hat of antique shape, and cloak of grey,”: His distinctive, old-fashioned attire marks him as different and hints at his unconventional lifestyle.
- “The same the gypsies wore.”: The scholar has assimilated into the gypsy culture, embracing their way of life.
(iv) “One may lead a horse to water, …”
Source: “Goblin Market” by Christina Rossetti
Context and Explanation:
These lines are from Christina Rossetti’s narrative poem “Goblin Market.” The poem tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, and their encounter with the seductive goblin men who sell enchanted fruits.
- “One may lead a horse to water, Twenty cannot make him drink.”: This proverb illustrates the idea that you can provide opportunities, but you cannot force someone to take action or make choices.
- “Though the goblins cuffed and caught her, Coaxed and fought her,”: The goblins try various methods to compel Lizzie to eat their fruits, using both force and persuasion.
- “Bullied and besought her,”: They alternate between threatening and pleading with her.
- “Scratched her, pinched her black as ink,’ Kicked and knocked her,”: They resort to physical violence in their efforts to subdue her.
- “Mauled and mocked her,”: They ridicule and physically abuse her.
- “Lizzie uttered not a word.”: Despite their relentless torment, Lizzie remains steadfast and silent, showing her strength and resilience.
Each of these excerpts reflects a distinct theme and literary style, capturing the essence of the works from which they are drawn.
SECTION – B
Q. II Answer the following questions in about 300 words each:
Q1. Attempt a character sketch of Lucie as seen in A Tale of Two Cities.
Ans. Character Sketch of Lucie Manette in A Tale of Two Cities :
In Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities, Lucie Manette embodies the ideal Victorian woman, marked by her compassion, loyalty, and unwavering strength. She is introduced as the young, beautiful daughter of Dr. Alexandre Manette, who has been imprisoned in the Bastille for eighteen years. Lucie’s role in the novel is pivotal, acting as the emotional and moral center around which other characters revolve.
Lucie’s most striking quality is her nurturing nature. She plays a crucial role in her father’s recovery, guiding him from the brink of madness back to a semblance of normal life. Her patience and gentleness are vital in restoring Dr. Manette’s fractured psyche, demonstrating her capacity for deep empathy and care.
Beyond her familial duties, Lucie’s influence extends to those around her. Her beauty and kindness captivate Charles Darnay, leading to their marriage, and she becomes a beacon of hope and love for Sydney Carton. Carton, a dissolute lawyer, finds in Lucie a reason to strive for redemption. Her mere presence inspires him to perform the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to save Darnay for the sake of Lucie and her family’s happiness.
Lucie’s strength lies not in physical prowess or intellectual brilliance but in her emotional resilience and steadfastness. During the turbulent events of the French Revolution, she remains a pillar of support for her family, never wavering in her love and commitment. Her ability to maintain grace and composure in the face of adversity highlights her inner strength.
In essence, Lucie Manette is a symbol of hope, love, and compassion. She represents the light in a world overshadowed by darkness and chaos, showcasing Dickens’s belief in the power of goodness and the human spirit. Her character, though idealized, serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of kindness and the strength found in familial and personal bonds.
Q2.Write a short note on The Mayor of Casterbridge as a tragedy.
Ans. The Mayor of Casterbridge as a Tragedy:
Thomas Hardy’s novel The Mayor of Casterbridge is a profound exploration of human fallibility and the inexorable force of fate, positioning it firmly within the realm of tragedy. The story follows the rise and fall of Michael Henchard, a man whose character flaws and past mistakes lead to his eventual downfall, mirroring the classical structure of a tragic hero’s journey.
At the heart of Henchard’s tragedy is his impulsive nature and propensity for rash decisions. The novel opens with Henchard, in a drunken state, selling his wife and daughter—a deed that haunts him throughout the story. This act of hubris sets the stage for his later suffering, as Henchard’s efforts to atone for this sin are continually thwarted by fate and his own inherent weaknesses.
Henchard’s journey from a prosperous mayor to a destitute figure is marked by a series of poor choices and an inability to adapt to changing circumstances. His temperamental and proud disposition alienates those around him, including his loyal employee, Donald Farfrae, who ultimately replaces him both in his business and in the affections of the townspeople. Henchard’s rivalry with Farfrae underscores his tragic flaw—an inability to reconcile with his past and accept his own limitations.
Hardy’s portrayal of Henchard’s life is infused with a sense of fatalism. The idea that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions is a recurring theme. Henchard’s past transgressions continually resurface, undermining his efforts to build a new life. His downfall is not solely due to external circumstances but is intricately tied to his character flaws—his pride, impulsiveness, and inability to forgive himself or others.
In the end, Henchard’s demise is a poignant reflection of the tragic inevitability that governs Hardy’s universe. He dies alone, having lost everything he once valued. The Mayor of Casterbridge stands as a testament to the tragic consequences of human frailty and the relentless power of destiny, capturing the essence of tragedy through Henchard’s deeply human story.
Q3. Attempt a critical analysis of the poem “Ulysses.”
Ans. Critical Analysis of the Poem “Ulysses”:
Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “Ulysses” is a dramatic monologue that captures the restless spirit and unyielding ambition of the legendary Greek hero, Ulysses (Odysseus). Written in the wake of his friend Arthur Hallam’s death, Tennyson’s Ulysses grapples with themes of aging, identity, and the ceaseless pursuit of purpose.
The poem opens with Ulysses expressing dissatisfaction with his current life as the king of Ithaca. He finds the routine of ruling mundane and longs for the excitement and challenges of his past adventures. This sense of ennui reflects Tennyson’s exploration of the conflict between duty and the desire for a more fulfilling existence. Ulysses’ yearning to continue exploring and seeking knowledge, despite his age, highlights his unquenchable thirst for life.
“It little profits that an idle king, By this still hearth, among these barren crags, Matched with an aged wife, I mete and dole Unequal laws unto a savage race, That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me.”
In these lines, Ulysses conveys his discontent with his current situation, emphasizing his sense of alienation from his people and his own family. The phrase “idle king” underscores his frustration with a life devoid of adventure and meaning.
As the poem progresses, Ulysses reveals his plans to embark on one final voyage, refusing to succumb to the passivity of old age. He rallies his former comrades, invoking their shared history and undying spirit of exploration:
“Come, my friends, ‘Tis not too late to seek a newer world. Push off, and sitting well in order smite The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars, until I die.”
Here, Ulysses articulates his resolve to pursue new horizons, embodying the Victorian ideal of perseverance and the quest for self-discovery. The imagery of sailing “beyond the sunset” symbolizes his relentless pursuit of knowledge and adventure, even in the face of death.
The concluding lines of the poem encapsulate Ulysses’ indomitable spirit:
“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
This declaration serves as a powerful affirmation of Ulysses’—and by extension, humanity’s—enduring quest for purpose and fulfillment, regardless of the obstacles encountered. Tennyson’s portrayal of Ulysses as a hero who refuses to be confined by the limitations of age and circumstance resonates with the broader Victorian ethos of progress and exploration.
In summary, “Ulysses” is a meditation on the tension between duty and personal aspiration, the inevitability of aging, and the enduring human desire for adventure and meaning. Through the character of Ulysses, Tennyson celebrates the spirit of resilience and the relentless pursuit of one’s passions.
Q4. Give the central idea of the poem “Dover Beach.”
Ans. Central Idea of the Poem “Dover Beach”:
Matthew Arnold’s poem “Dover Beach” is a poignant reflection on the fragility of human happiness and the erosion of faith in a rapidly changing world. Written in the mid-19th century, a period marked by scientific discoveries and religious doubt, the poem captures the poet’s sense of loss and uncertainty amidst these transformations.
The poem begins with a serene description of the sea at Dover, with the speaker inviting his companion to observe the tranquil scene:
“The sea is calm tonight. The tide is full, the moon lies fair Upon the straits; on the French coast, the light Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand, Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.”
This imagery sets a peaceful tone, but as the poem progresses, the mood shifts to one of melancholy and introspection. Arnold uses the ebb and flow of the tide as a metaphor for the rise and fall of human faith and happiness:
“Listen! you hear the grating roar Of pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling, At their return, up the high strand, Begin, and cease, and then again begin, With tremulous cadence slow, and bring The eternal note of sadness in.”
Here, the “eternal note of sadness” signifies a persistent sense of disillusionment. Arnold evokes the image of the sea withdrawing, symbolizing the retreat of religious faith and certainty from the modern world. This idea is further elaborated in the stanza that references the ancient Greek tragedian Sophocles, linking the timeless human experience of suffering and loss:
“Sophocles long ago Heard it on the Aegean, and it brought Into his mind the turbid ebb and flow Of human misery; we Find also in the sound a thought, Hearing it by this distant northern sea.”
The central idea of “Dover Beach” crystallizes in the final stanza, where Arnold laments the loss of faith and the uncertainty that plagues the contemporary world. He contrasts the initial calmness with the “darkling plain” where ignorant armies clash by night, reflecting the confusion and chaos of a world without faith or clear moral direction:
“Ah, love, let us be true To one another! for the world, which seems To lie before us like a land of dreams, So various, so beautiful, so new, Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light, Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain; And we are here as on a darkling plain Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, Where ignorant armies clash by night.”
Arnold’s plea for personal fidelity amidst a world devoid of certainties underscores the poem’s central message. In the face of societal disintegration and the erosion of faith, the poem suggests that genuine human connection and love are the only reliable sources of comfort and meaning. “Dover Beach” thus becomes a timeless meditation on the search for stability and truth in an ever-changing world.
SECTION – C
Q. III Answer the following questions in about 500 words each:
Q1. Write a detailed note on how Dickens has represented the French revolution in A Tale of Two Cities.
Ans. Dickens’s Representation of the French Revolution in A Tale of Two Cities:
Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities is a masterful depiction of the French Revolution, capturing both the chaos of the era and the complex human emotions intertwined with historical events. Published in 1859, the novel weaves personal narratives against the backdrop of revolutionary upheaval, offering a nuanced exploration of social justice, class struggle, and the transformative power of love and sacrifice.
Historical Context and Dual Setting: Dickens sets the story in London and Paris, juxtaposing the relative stability of England with the turmoil in France. This duality is central to the narrative, highlighting the stark contrasts and underlying connections between the two societies. Through this framework, Dickens examines the causes and consequences of the Revolution, portraying it as both an inevitable response to oppression and a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked vengeance.
The Inevitability of Revolution: The novel opens with the famous lines, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” setting the tone for the paradoxical nature of the period. Dickens delves into the deep social and economic inequalities that precipitated the Revolution. The suffering of the French peasantry and the excesses of the aristocracy are vividly depicted, emphasizing the systemic injustices that made revolution almost unavoidable. Characters like the Marquis St. Evrémonde embody the callousness of the ruling class, whose disregard for human life fuels the flames of rebellion.
Symbolism and Imagery: Dickens uses powerful symbolism to underscore the themes of the Revolution. The recurrent motif of the “grindstone” symbolizes the relentless and brutal nature of the revolutionary fervor, grinding away at the old order. The “sea” is another potent symbol, representing the unstoppable and often destructive force of the masses. The vivid imagery of blood and wine throughout the novel conveys the violence and the intoxicating allure of revolutionary ideals, respectively.
Character Arcs and Personal Stories: The personal stories of characters like Charles Darnay, Sydney Carton, and Dr. Manette are deeply interwoven with the larger historical events, illustrating how the Revolution impacts individuals on a profound level. Darnay, an aristocrat by birth, renounces his heritage and seeks to build a life based on merit and moral values, symbolizing the possibility of redemption and change. Dr. Manette’s wrongful imprisonment and eventual liberation serve as a metaphor for the oppressed masses yearning for freedom and justice.
Sydney Carton’s transformation from a dissolute lawyer to a self-sacrificing hero epitomizes the novel’s exploration of resurrection and redemption. His ultimate sacrifice for Darnay and Lucie is not only a personal act of love but also a powerful commentary on the potential for individual acts of courage to bring about societal change.
Critique of Revolutionary Excess: While Dickens acknowledges the legitimacy of the grievances that led to the Revolution, he is also critical of its excesses. The character of Madame Defarge personifies the vengeful spirit of the Revolution, driven by personal vendettas and a desire for retribution. Her relentless pursuit of vengeance against the Evrémonde family and anyone associated with them highlights the moral ambiguity of revolutionary justice. Through her, Dickens explores the darker side of the Revolution, where the quest for justice devolves into a cycle of violence and revenge.
The Theme of Resurrection: The theme of resurrection runs throughout the novel, mirrored in the personal and political realms. Dr. Manette’s release from the Bastille symbolizes the potential for renewal and change. Carton’s sacrifice at the guillotine, in turn, represents the ultimate act of selflessness, paving the way for a new beginning for those he loves. This theme resonates with the broader notion of societal transformation, suggesting that true progress requires not only the overthrow of old systems but also a deep, personal commitment to creating a better future.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens provides a rich, multi-faceted portrayal of the French Revolution. He captures its causes, its complexities, and its consequences, balancing empathy for the oppressed with a cautionary perspective on the perils of revolution. Through his vivid characters and intricate narrative, Dickens offers a timeless reflection on the human condition amidst historical upheaval.
Q2. What role does Fate or Chance play in the novel The Mayor of Casterbridge?
Ans. The Role of Fate or Chance in The Mayor of Casterbridge:
Thomas Hardy’s The Mayor of Casterbridge is a profound exploration of the interplay between human agency and the inexorable forces of fate and chance. The novel’s protagonist, Michael Henchard, is a character deeply affected by both his own actions and the whims of fate, illustrating Hardy’s deterministic view of life.
Henchard’s Flawed Character and Fatalism: Henchard’s life is marked by impulsive decisions and emotional volatility, which set the stage for his tragic downfall. His initial act of selling his wife and daughter while drunk is a moment of rashness that casts a long shadow over his life. This decision, driven by his own flaws, can be seen as a catalyst for the series of misfortunes that befall him. Hardy’s depiction of Henchard’s character suggests that while his personal failings are significant, they are also intertwined with a broader deterministic force that governs his fate.
The Unpredictability of Chance: Chance plays a pivotal role throughout the novel, often disrupting Henchard’s attempts to control his destiny. His rise to prominence in Casterbridge as a successful grain merchant and mayor appears to be a result of his hard work and determination. However, the return of his wife, Susan, and daughter, Elizabeth-Jane, after eighteen years introduces elements of chance that undermine his stability.
Henchard’s encounter with Donald Farfrae is another instance where chance significantly alters the course of his life. Farfrae, a young and capable Scotsman, arrives in Casterbridge by coincidence and quickly becomes both Henchard’s friend and rival. Initially, Henchard benefits from Farfrae’s innovative ideas, but their relationship deteriorates due to Henchard’s jealousy and insecurity. Farfrae’s unexpected success and Henchard’s subsequent decline underscore the role of uncontrollable external forces in shaping their fates.
Fate’s Inevitable Unfolding: Hardy’s portrayal of Henchard’s decline is steeped in a sense of inevitability, suggesting that his destiny is preordained despite his efforts to alter it. The series of unfortunate events that follow Henchard, including the loss of his business, his estrangement from Elizabeth-Jane, and the reappearance of Lucetta Templeman, seem orchestrated by a cruel fate. Henchard’s repeated attempts to redeem himself are thwarted by circumstances beyond his control, reinforcing the novel’s fatalistic tone.
The Irony of Effort and Outcome: Henchard’s efforts to atone for his past mistakes and build a respectable life are rendered futile by the unpredictable twists of fate. His sincere attempts to care for Elizabeth-Jane and to find happiness with Lucetta are ultimately unsuccessful. The irony of his situation is that despite his hard work and earnest endeavors, his life unravels due to a combination of personal flaws and external forces.
Hardy’s Philosophical Perspective: Through Henchard’s story, Hardy explores the tension between individual agency and deterministic forces. While Henchard’s character flaws contribute to his downfall, Hardy suggests that fate and chance play an equally significant role. The novel’s deterministic outlook is reflected in Hardy’s broader philosophical perspective, which often highlights the limitations of human control in the face of an indifferent universe.
In conclusion, The Mayor of Casterbridge is a rich tapestry of human ambition, personal flaws, and the capriciousness of fate. Michael Henchard’s life serves as a poignant illustration of how fate and chance can shape and ultimately determine an individual’s destiny, despite their efforts to navigate their own course. Hardy’s exploration of these themes underscores the novel’s enduring relevance and its profound commentary on the human condition.
Q3. Write a critical analysis of the poem “My Last Duchess.”
Ans. Critical Analysis of the Poem “My Last Duchess”:
Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is a dramatic monologue that delves into the themes of power, control, and the objectification of individuals within a patriarchal society. Set in the Renaissance period, the poem presents the Duke of Ferrara, who reveals his tyrannical nature as he describes a portrait of his late wife to an emissary arranging his next marriage.
The Duke as a Speaker: The Duke’s monologue is structured as a conversation with the emissary, but it quickly becomes clear that it is a one-sided discourse. The Duke’s speech is polished and controlled, mirroring his desire to exert control over every aspect of his life, including his wife. His casual yet authoritative tone reveals his arrogance and sense of entitlement:
“That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, Looking as if she were alive.”
The use of the possessive pronoun “my” underscores his view of the Duchess as an object or possession. He speaks of her as if she is a mere artifact in his collection, illustrating his need to dominate and own.
Themes of Power and Control: The Duke’s obsession with control extends to his perception of his wife’s behavior. He criticizes her for being too easily pleased and too kind, interpreting her warmth and joy as signs of infidelity or disrespect towards his status:
“She had A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad, Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er She looked on, and her looks went everywhere.”
His dissatisfaction with her inability to conform to his rigid expectations of subservience and exclusivity reveals his deep-seated insecurity and authoritarianism.
The Objectification of the Duchess: Throughout the poem, the Duke objectifies the Duchess, reducing her to a mere image that he can control. The portrait of the Duchess, painted by Fra Pandolf, captures her in a moment of innocence and warmth, yet the Duke’s interpretation of the painting reveals his possessive attitude:
“Sir, ’twas not Her husband’s presence only, called that spot Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek.”
The Duchess’s smile, according to the Duke, was not solely due to his presence but was a natural reaction to her appreciation of beauty and art. However, the Duke’s jealousy and need for dominance lead him to misconstrue her innocence as flirtation or infidelity.
The Duchess’s Fate: The poem’s ambiguity surrounds the fate of the Duchess, hinted at but never explicitly stated. The Duke’s implication that he took action against her for her supposed transgressions suggests a darker undertone. The final lines of the poem hint at his readiness to move on to his next marriage, using the emissary as a tool to negotiate terms:
“Notice Neptune, though, Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!”
The mention of the sea-horse sculpture commissioned by the Duke reinforces his obsession with control and possession, extending even to artistic expressions.
Browning’s Use of Form and Language: Browning’s use of the dramatic monologue allows readers to glimpse into the Duke’s psyche through his own words. The controlled, almost casual tone contrasts sharply with the chilling implications of his words. The use of enjambment and caesurae creates a sense of rhythm that mimics the Duke’s calculated speech, while the use of rhetorical questions and exclamations adds to the intensity of his monologue.
Critical Reception and Interpretation: “My Last Duchess” has been widely interpreted as a critique of patriarchal power structures and the objectification of women. Browning’s portrayal of the Duke as a tyrant who views his wife as a possession highlights the destructive consequences of unchecked authority and masculine pride. The poem invites readers to consider the implications of power imbalances in relationships and society as a whole.
“My Last Duchess” remains a powerful exploration of human psychology and the complexities of power dynamics within relationships. Through the Duke’s chilling monologue, Browning critiques the objectification of women and exposes the destructive nature of patriarchal control. The poem’s enduring relevance lies in its depiction of the consequences of unchecked power and the ways in which individuals can be reduced to mere possessions in the pursuit of dominance.
Q4. Write a detailed commentary on the deeper connotation of the poem “Goblin Market.”
Ans. Detailed Commentary on the Deeper Connotations of the Poem “Goblin Market”
Christina Rossetti’s poem “Goblin Market” is a complex and richly symbolic work that explores themes of temptation, desire, and redemption. Written in the Victorian era, the poem combines elements of fairy tale, allegory, and morality play to convey deeper moral and spiritual meanings.
Narrative and Imagery: The poem tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who encounter goblin men selling luscious fruits in a forest glen. The goblin fruits are described in vivid, sensual imagery that appeals to Laura’s desires:
“She clipped a precious golden lock, She dropped a tear more rare than pearl, Then sucked their fruit globes fair or red: Sweeter than honey from the rock, Stronger than man-rejoicing wine, Clearer than water flowed that juice; She never tasted such before, How should it cloy with length of use? She sucked and sucked and sucked the more Fruits which that unknown orchard bore; She sucked until her lips were sore”
The goblin fruits symbolize forbidden pleasures and earthly temptations. Laura’s succumbing to the temptation and indulging in the fruits parallels the biblical story of Eve and the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, highlighting themes of innocence lost and consequences suffered.
Themes of Temptation and Redemption: Laura’s consumption of the goblin fruit leads to her physical and spiritual deterioration. She becomes addicted to the fruit’s sweetness but is ultimately left with a longing and emptiness that cannot be satisfied:
“She dwindled, as the fair full moon doth turn To swift decay and burn Her fire away”
In contrast, Lizzie, motivated by sisterly love and a sense of moral duty, resists the goblins’ temptations and refuses to partake of the fruit. She undergoes a harrowing ordeal to procure the antidote for her sister, enduring physical assault and temptation to save Laura:
“She thrust a dimpled finger in each ear, Shut eyes and ran: Curious Laura chose to linger Wondering at each merchant man”
Rejecting Societal Expectations: The poem challenges Victorian societal expectations regarding women’s behavior and desires. Laura’s fall into temptation and subsequent redemption through Lizzie’s sacrifice can be interpreted as a critique of the restrictive moral standards imposed on women during that era. Rossetti explores the consequences of yielding to worldly pleasures versus the rewards of selflessness and moral integrity.
Symbolism and Allegory: “Goblin Market” is rich in symbolic imagery and allegorical elements. The goblin men represent not only literal tempters but also metaphorical figures of greed and exploitation. Their fruits symbolize not just physical indulgence but also the allure of materialism and the dangers of unchecked desire. The poem’s forest setting evokes a timeless, mythic quality, suggesting that the temptations faced by Laura and Lizzie are universal and perennial.
Victorian Preoccupations: Rossetti’s poem reflects Victorian concerns about morality, sexuality, and the role of women in society. The goblin men’s predatory nature and Laura’s vulnerability underscore anxieties about female purity and the consequences of moral transgression. At the same time, Lizzie’s courage and selflessness offer a counterpoint to these anxieties, suggesting that virtue and resilience can triumph over temptation and adversity.
Narrative Complexity and Interpretation: The poem’s ambiguous ending, where Laura is restored to health through Lizzie’s act of courage, invites multiple interpretations. Some readers see it as a straightforward allegory of moral redemption, where Lizzie’s self-sacrifice symbolizes Christ-like love and forgiveness. Others interpret the poem as a feminist critique of Victorian gender roles, highlighting the strength and agency of women in the face of societal pressures.
Literary Legacy and Influence: “Goblin Market” has endured as a classic of Victorian literature due to its complex themes, lyrical beauty, and provocative imagery. It has inspired numerous adaptations, interpretations, and critical analyses over the years, continuing to resonate with readers for its exploration of universal human experiences and timeless moral dilemmas.
Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market” remains a powerful and enigmatic poem that explores profound themes of temptation, sacrifice, and redemption. Through its rich symbolism, vivid imagery, and narrative complexity, the poem invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human desire and the enduring struggle between moral virtue and earthly temptation.
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