Christina Rossetti - "Goblin Market"

In Rossetti's poem, "Goblin Market," she emphasizes the importance of sisterhood. She knows the relationship between Lizzie and Laura, two sisters who are called to the market by Goblin Men who are tempting them to buy fruit. Lizzie has a fear for the goblins, while Laura seems to be enchanted. The goblins resemble different animals and are not the most attractive looking. Although Laura does not have any money, the goblins insist she buy food from the market. The goblins make a deal with her and decide they will take a lock of her hair in exchange for the foods, she complies, consumes the food, then goes home.

When she returns home she informs Lizzie of her experiences and insists she tries the fruit Laura would bring home to her after visiting the market the next day, However, Laura falls sick and is no longer able to hear the goblins calling her anymore, yet Lizzie still can. Worried that Laura is going to die soon, Lizzie heads to the market to get some fruit for her sister. Instead of selling Lizzie fruit, the goblins invite her to their feast. Lizzie refuses and the goblins attack her trying to get her to eat the fruit. After Lizzie continues to refuse, the goblins give up and Lizzie returns home.

When Lizzie returns home she urges Laura to drink the fruit juice that covers her face in hopes that it would cure Laura. Unfortunatelt it does not work and Laura falls into a deathlike state. However, the next morning Laura wakes up and is totally cured. Years pass, and both of the sisters marry and have children. They tell their children the story of the goblin market and how the love they had for each other had saved Laura. Laura explains the importance of keeping a close sister relationship, "For there is no friend like a sister in calm or stormy weather," and explains through this that sisters will be there for you no matter what.