63 pages 2 hours read

Christina Rossetti

Goblin Market

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1862

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Literary Device Answers

1. D. Rossetti writes mostly in a mix of trochaic and dactylic feet but maintains no consistent meter, instead varying rhythm to create mood, tone, and other elements in the poem.

2. C. The goblins are often ascribed with animal features and traits. Unlike anthropomorphism, when a non-human object is given human traits, zoomorphism occurs when a human (or in this case, goblin) is given animalistic traits and effectively dehumanized. Rossetti’s choice to employ this device when describing the goblins emphasizes their villainy.

3. D. The lock of hair that Laura cuts to pay for the fruit (A) symbolizes the goodness she is giving away as she succumbs to temptation; the goblins’ fruits (B) symbolize that very temptation; and (C) the kernel-stone, or fruit seed, that is Laura’s only prize from her enchanted feast symbolizes the hollow rewards of indulging temptation, as the seed produces no fruit, leaving Laura to wither in eternal yearning. The water from the brook is not a symbol in the poem.

4. A. Narrative poems are characterized by the presence of a complete story with plot, resolution, conflict, protagonists, antagonists, setting, and action. While the other answer choices may also be present in a narrative poem, they are not identifying characteristics on their own.

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By Christina Rossetti

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