'We must not look at goblin men': sensual experience and religious vision in Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market". Christina Rossetti's 'Goblin Market' is one of the most controversial poems of its time. Although she insisted that it was to be seen as a children's story, many readers interpreted it as erotic poetry, many seeing it as a warning to young women against the temptations of sex. The poem has many hidden clues. For example, the Goblins describe the fruit in a sensual way, “Flesh and unpecked cherries” (line 7). Cherries are seen as a sign of virtue, so this is a clear example of a sexual situation. There is also a very strong religious theme in this poem. The fruit offered by the goblin merchants is a clear symbol of Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit. “Obviously the conscious or semi-conscious allegorical intention of this narrative poem is sexual/religious.” (Gilbert and Gubar, 566). This essay will discuss the theme of sensual experience in terms of what makes this poem erotic, female sexuality and also aims to discuss the religious symbolism in Rossetti's "Goblin Market". Rosetti challenges traditional patriarchal perceptions of Victorian women in terms of sexuality and education. He recognizes that the ideologies of his time were wrong and needed to be fixed. He used the "Goblin Market" to challenge this and also as a warning against men and tempting sexual situations. Many women have succumbed to these temptations and become “fallen women.” Rossetti showed girls the consequences of not following the rules. Sexual references are the main cause to question the true audience this poem is intended for. There are many strong symbols and allusions throughout to support these... middle of the paper... suggest that his innocence is completely destroyed. Jeanie showed a lot of promise, “she should have been a bride” (line 313). Jeanie may have had a husband planned and would have led the ideal Victorian life, but she fell victim to her own temptations. He gave himself over to the fruit of the Goblin men and lost everything, fell ill and died, "But who for the joys that brides hope to have, fell ill and died, in his prime" (line 314-316). Jeanie lost everything because she gave in to a tempting situation, lost everything, and ultimately lost her life. Works Cited Brownley, Martine W. "Love and Sensuality in Christina Rossetti's Goblin Market" Essays in Literature 6 (1979): 179-86 Rossetti, Christina. "Goblin Market". The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Volume E The Victorian Age. Ed. Julia Reidhead. 8th ed. vol. E. New York: W. W. Norton, 2005. 1466-1478.