These readings were an easy read. They all were based on religion but also touched societal issues. “Eve’s Apology in Defense of Women” enlightened me because of the arbitration addressed dealing with gender. A sin cannot be worse than the other because the bottom line is that it’s a sin.
The argument in “Eve’s Apology in Defense of Women” is saying that men (Adam) is just as wrong as women (Eve). Both ate the apple so both should get equal punishment. Lanyer does not only defend Eve but women too. Men are heightened in society while women are not. Women are looked today still lesser then men but this read depicts the societal issue in religion which speaks volume of how women were not revered as equal people. Power comes to play because in the time of Adam and Eve, Adam took power over Eve. Line 35-40 definitely shows sympathy for Eve as she did not even have the chance be a Queen of the Earth. He was the first so it acts like seniority. Also in the text in line 42 explains him as great. If he is great, he cannot do any wrong and that’s how Adam lived.
In “Paradise” Book 9 Milton gave the serpent a voice to show how he tricked her into eating the apple. He used means of fawning to gain Eve’s attention. This gives a bad label to women thinking that women are easy when it comes to a smooth talker. The serpent did this to seduce eve. But why not Adam? Is this saying that women are not as smart as males?
5 thoughts on “Week 16”
Hey Destiny,
I liked your statement about Adam being great so he cannot do any wrong. I agree. He was created to be this powerful man created in God’s image, and yet someone Eve was able to be seduced by the devil into eating the apple? And then he himself also ate this apple? I also question why the snake went after Eve and not Adam. Did whoever write the bible think that women were dumb and easily seduced? I’d say that is not true, because we turn down advances every day! (HA) Great response!
Hey Destiny,
Great Response! I agree with you 100% when you mentioned that ““Eve’s Apology in Defense of Women” is saying that men (Adam) is just as wrong as women (Eve)”. I myself seen that Lanyer was trying to display to readers that sex shouldn’t justify anyones right or wrong and strength or weakness. Again, Great Response, well thought out!
I agree with our analysis of the text. Eve is the child to Adam’s adult. So as a result, why is she being blamed for her actions? Adam as the responsible party should have done his part as the “superior” and partner and monitor and/or control her actions.
Amazing response!
The question you pose which questions the intelligence of women over males; I think is a never ending question that we will continue to ask ourselves over and over. The religious teaching of Adam and eve proves that; if the story of Adam and eve was taught differently do you think that would’ve impacted the way females have been viewed for centuries?
Destiny, I think your last question here is really crucial–on the one hand, Milton tells us that Adam ate the apple “undeceived.” On the other, Satan seemed to know that he needed Eve’s help to convince Adam. So there definitely seems to be a critique of women there, though I think it’s more complicated than simply a matter of smarts.