Goblin Market, The Prince's Progress, and Other Poems (eBook)

Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830–1894) was a pivotal figure in Victorian poetry, showcasing a mastery of emotion, religious symbolism, and narrative depth in her work. She was born in London into a remarkably creative family; her father, Gabriele Rossetti, was an Italian political exile and a scholar, and her siblings were equally inclined towards artistic endeavors, with Dante Gabriel Rossetti becoming a central figure in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Christina's devout Anglican faith deeply influenced her poetry, which often explored themes of love, loss, and redemption. Her verses are distinguished by their lyrical beauty, compactness, and a use of symbolism that was unique for her time. She is best known for her collection 'Goblin Market, The Prince's Progress, and Other Poems' (1862), where the title poem 'Goblin Market' stands out as a masterpiece of imaginative narrative, rich in allegory and underlying themes of temptation and sisterly love. This work, and others like 'Up-Hill', illustrate her ability to weave complex ideas into accessible verse, making her a favorite among contemporaries and later admiraries. Rossetti's influence extended beyond her own era; she has been recognized as a precursor to later feminist and postmodern literary movements, and her works remain a significant point of reference for the study of 19th-century English literature.