Ugly Goblins

Reading the Goblin Market I thought of horribly twisted and deformed creatures with crackling voices. The Oxford English Dictionary describes them as mischievous, ugly, dwarf-like creatures and they are usually portrayed as such in fantasy literature. The poem describes them having animal faces which in my mind only added to the horror. However I was surprised to see the illustration on Monday. They were so adorable, the little cat guy was even wearing a precious tiny suit! It is far off from the Tolkien representation most of us are use to. I took this more in the economic reading of Goblin Market. All the exotic fruits were perhaps a criticism on consumerism. The vast selection of these exotic fruits, who would want to eat ordinary and simple fruits that could be found locally. When presented with novelty it is difficult to settle for what you already have. The reason these goblins are so cute is to glamorize what you wish you had and not what is readily available, it is an easy sell. Someone is not questioning their own motives when the source is rather pleasant.  However cute as they may be the Goblins are still dangerous and will kick your ass if you refuse them. This is an important principle capitalism, to keep you wanting more and never be completely satisfied with what you have. 

                                                      

 

                                               "come buy, come buy!"