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

Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830–1894) was an English poet whose writing is characterized by its meditative depth and emotional expressiveness. She is considered one of the foremost female poets of the 19th century and was lauded for her melancholic and devotional verse. Rossetti came from a remarkable family of artists and scholars; her brother, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, was a co-founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, which influenced her work to some extent. Rossetti's writing often explores themes of love, loss, and spiritual faith, with a profound understanding of human nature and a dedication to Victorian morality. Her best-known work, 'Goblin Market' (1862), stands out with its rich imagery and narrative structure, which captures a fairy-tale-like story of two sisters' encounters with goblin merchants. The poem has been variously interpreted as an allegory on temptation and salvation, the subjugation of women, and the illicit overtones of female sexuality. 'The Prince's Progress, and Other Poems' (1866) further established Rossetti's reputation as a significant poet. The titular poem 'The Prince's Progress' is notable for its critique of traditional gender roles and the societal expectations placed upon women. Throughout her oeuvre, Rossetti's works reflect a Pre-Raphaelite attention to detail combined with a distinctly personal and introspective voice. Her poetry remains widely studied for its lyrical beauty and complex symbolism, resonating with readers and scholars alike.