I believe that this passage actually depicts Eve as a matriarch, and Adam her follower, rather than the meek subjugate of the traditional patriarchal reading. As the "Mother of human race" (475), all other humans come from her. Adam is not referred to as "Father of human race" because the power to create now lies with Eve. Without her, the entire human race would not exist. It is also critical that nowhere in this passage does Eve receive a single command from Adam, or guidance: she is "invisibly thus led" (476), or led by God. The fact that she is led by God, not Adam, perhaps insinuates that she is closer to God than Adam.
Adam creates Eve, and creates her power. He is the "guide" (442) - this word implies that even if Adam has more knowledge, or is leading, he is not the one who is important. Later, Eve says that it is, "I chiefly who enjoy the happier lot...enjoying thee pre-eminent" (445-7). First, "chiefly" already connotes Eve as a leader. Then, the traditional reading would have "thee" and "pre" as a spondee, emphasizing Adam's pre-eminence. But, I think that the dactyl in "enjoying" indicates that Eve is pre-eminent through her enjoyment of Adam, a feeling that Adam cannot have - he is his own "consort" (448).
Wow Harry. A very interesting reading of the passage. I had never considered that Eve is actually created to be the dominant of the two, and that her directions from God actually serve to illustrate that she is closer to God than Adam. Essentially, her fertility as a woman makes her the more-necessary of the two, and thus the more powerful. However, the passage does explain that Eve is "led" to Adam. She does not find him herself. More importantly, he does not find her. Maybe her more passive role in the coming together of Adam and Eve suggests that she is not actually superior, but that the two are intended as equals, and the patterns established by free-will ultimately gave way to the patriarchal system of today.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to explore whether or not Eve views herself as superior to Adam, especially within the context of your claim. Many people seem to view Eve's self-admiration as a significant flaw.
ReplyDeleteBut, is it vain to consider yourself superior if you actually are superior?
Your claim is great and really different from the norm. You make a good point about how Eve is the one who actually is fertile and therefore able to "make" the human race. Kelly though brings up a great point. The moment Eve wakes up she instantly is drawn to her own self image and is unable to leave until a voice commands her to. How does this fit into your claim perhaps about Eve being superior to Adam? She might be better looking, but her vanity might be a flaw. You make an interesting point that God does not direct Adam but Eve. But perhaps Adam not needing guidance shows that he is closer to a "perfect form"?
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