Rossetti uses the character of Lizzie and Laura to represent halves of ones self by:
~Mirroring in the names 'L'
~'Looked together in one-nest'-this metaphor could represent a sense of self and the way multiple selves can co-exist or be 'locked' in one identity.
Lizzie represents: moral authority; public self of Victorian femininity; infantilised repression
Laura represents: private transgressive self of Victorian femininity.
Laura and Lizzie could represent the struggles that Rossetti is dealing within herself. The expectation that Rossetti should devote her life or sacrifice her freedom to be a 'modest maiden' is represented through the character of Lizzie whom has an 'open heart' to the patriarchal society of the Victorian are. Rossetti often opposes thus bland destiny of domestic duties with her description of nature throughout many of her poems. Additionally, Rossetti expresses this in Goblin Market through the character of Laura which represents Rossetti's rebellion to the patriotic society and her expected duties. Laura yearns and desires for the 'orchard fruits' that the Goblins 'cry' about. Throughout Laura's character, Rossetti could be expressing her desire for the luxuries of life which women weren't allowed in such a male-dominated society.
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