In five pages the poem's last scene involving siblings Lizzie and Laura is analyzed. Two sources are cited in the bibliography.
Name of Research Paper File: D0_MTgobmar.rtf
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the ages of the pre-Raphealites, the poem manages to suggest a great deal while outwardly promoting purity and basic protection. While this
poem holds many symbols and allegories, perhaps the one that has been the most dissected and examined by literary experts has been the relationship between the two sisters featured in
this poem, Laura and Lizzie. On the one hand, the scene displays a strong bond between the two sisters; while on the other, it portrays a great deal of sensuality
and eroticism both through the poetrys verbal description and the actions of the two characters. This paper will attempt to examine these two apparent dichotomies, and will also take note
of what other literary experts have suggested in interpreting this poem. When we first meet the two girls, they are trying
to protect each other and themselves ". . . with clasping arms and cautioning lips, with tingling cheeks and finger tips . . ." from the temptations of the goblins
fruits (which one could assume from additional passages involves loss of virginity, as "fruit," particularly "ripe fruit" is also used as a symbolism of lust and sexual activity). We see
from these early stanzas that Lizzie is somewhat stronger - she is aware of the consequences of eating the forbidden fruit. It is Laura, however, who needs watching; Laura who,
because of her innocence, is in danger of eating what the goblins have to offer. While Lizzie entreats Laura not to
"peep at the goblin men" and even theatrically covers her eyes, Laura is eager for a peep of the forbidden fruits that the forbidden goblins sell. Lizzie, disgusted beyond all