Symbolism In Frankenstein And Goblin Market

During the process of writing literature, and for works of fiction especially, authors will often utilize a literary device known as symbolism, in order to further engage readers and add a deeper layer of meaning to their story. Any object, person, or situation, can be used as a symbol provided it represents an additional concept or abstract idea apart from its literal meaning. In several fictitious stories, the element of symbolism plays a crucial role in helping writers extend the meaning behind their works beyond the prosaic. Two notable pieces of literature that skilfully demonstrate how symbolic imagery can enhance the narrative include, Frankenstein and “Goblin Market”—written by Mary Shelley and Christina Rossetti, respectively. Within

While on the surface level “Goblin Market” simply appears to be a “charming and delicate fairy tale” (Packer 375), in reality, it is a shockingly violent fable interwoven with complex motifs such as temptation, love, and the loss of innocence. Rossetti’s masterful use of descriptive language—“Then sat up in a passionate yearning, and gnashed her teeth for baulked desire, and wept, as if her heart would break” (Rossetti 88)—helps her symbolize the theme of temptation through the forbidden fruit Laura is aggressively offered by the goblin men. In fact, this specific theme was written with such great finesse, that “Goblin Market” has been described as one of the seldom pieces of nineteenth-century poetry in which “the lure of the senses [has] been so convincingly portrayed” (Packer 376). Similar to Frankenstein, “Goblin Market” also frequently utilizes fire imagery, although in this text it symbolizes the progression of life. The lines, “She dwindled, as the fair full moon doth turn. To swift decay and burn. Her fire away” (Rossetti 89), convey how the extinguishing of Laura’s fire is an indication of her dwindling lifespan. Another theme that was proficiently depicted in “Goblin Market”, was the loss of innocence; this was perhaps best demonstrated during the part where Lizzie went to the goblin men in search of an

In “Goblin Market”, Rossetti’s highly descriptive form of writing gives the poem an eerie, yet almost whimsical tone: “In the cooling weather, with clasping arms and cautioning lips, with tingling cheeks and fingertips” (Rossetti 81). Her profuse use of imagery also allowed readers to better visualize both the actions and appearances of her characters, leading to a greater sense of realism: “They went with pitchers to the reedy brook; Lizzie most placid in her look, Laura most like a leaping flame” (Rossetti 87). Comparatively, the mood in Shelley’s Frankenstein is one infused with a strong feeling of dread and ominous foreboding, as per typical for gothic tales. The helplessly tragic atmosphere emanating from the novel, was particularly well portrayed during the scene where Frankenstein’s monster is abandoned by his creator, and left to fend for himself: “I was a poor, helpless, miserable wretch; I knew, and could distinguish, nothing; but feeling pain invade me on all sides, I sat down and wept” (Shelley 106). With nothing more than a few descriptive lines, Shelley manages to both invoke a deep sense of pity for the poor creature, and establish his character as more than just that of a simple, mindless