"From Eve: The First Reflection"

The article, "From Eve: The First Reflection" by Julia M. Walker analyses the very important and sometimes overlooked role that Eve's image and self-awareness plays in the poem,"Paradise Lost". According to Walker, "She [Eve] submits to the arbitrary gender displacement, coming to see Adam as at once the generative image of and better than herself." (Walker, Julia. M, "From Eve: The First Reflection" pg 516) This is a common theme that Walker examines throughout the article. She often brings up the valid point that Eve is only able to see herself in terms of Adam. It is said that she is unable to function separately from her association with the earth and with her subservience to Adam. But what I found to be more interesting was the notion that Walker proposed which said that Eve, not knowing any other ways just excepts her role in society from God and Adam. Walker says, ". . . Adam seems to have no sense that it is from this feminine Earth from which he was formed. He draws his self-identity solely from his maker and not from matter, but expects Eve to privilege his absent rib above any other aspect of her being." (Walker, Julia. M. "From Eve: The First Reflection pg 518-19) I thought this was such an interesting point because here Walker seems to be saying that even though Adam was created from the Earth which has taken on a feminine connotation he disregards that fact and instead he gives homage to his masculine creator, God. The irony comes in when Adam expects Eve's constant gratification because she was created from Adam's rib, much like Adam was created from the Earth however instead of giving the credit to God, Adam expects it for himself. 

When I first read this I asked myself why is it then that Eve subjects herself to this submissive behavior. Walker believes it to be the product of first of all, Eve's overall lack of knowledge, seeing as how she seems to know mainly what it is she is told and foremost, Eve's personal belief that if she were to challenge her position in Eden then Adam would replace her with ""another Eve" (9.827)" (Walker, Julia. M "From Eve. . . " pg 519). Eve like said before only knows what she is told and is therefore at the mercy of Adam and God. 

This is why I found it to be interesting when Walker pointed out that Eve bears two names in the poem. She is called by a voice both Eve and Mother. Similarly to Andrea's infamous quote from her last paper that Eve was nothing but a "baby-maker"(Andrea Harrington, "Paradise Lost" Paper 2) Walker explorers the idea that Eve's main purpose was to yield. She says that Eve yields in many ways; one being to Adam and as Walker puts it, Eve will " ultimately yield, as does the earth, the fruit of her womb to "fill the World". 

This article was very interesting and addressed many issues regarding Eve's role in Eden. I found it to be insightful as Walker made the argument that Eve not only defines herself in terms of Adam but that this is because of her setting and therefore she knows no other option. I agree with the sentiments of the article. I feel as though there are many times in which it is exhibited that Eve is viewed as the lesser in the relationship she has with Adam. It does seem that Eve would do anything for Adam, as we see in book 10 when she offers to go to God and tell him that it was her fault that they ate from the tree and not to blame Adam. Yet I must ask myself haven't there been times that we see Adam reciprocating this devotion? If not, then why else does Adam eat the apple after he learns that Eve has?

"From Satan"

William Empson’s critique, From Satan, is a short article that points out some character inconsistencies with Creation’s primary antagonist. The author claims that Satan starts off as a strong leader, a character with a lot of drive and ambition. Then he transforms from confident to doubtful, and eventually seems to be “rapidly rotting away”. Essentially, Satan is a dramatic character.

Empson briefly touches upon a point we discussed in class concerning Satan, the fallen angels, and their environment in hell. Like we discussed, the angels are suffering in hell, yet they are able to act freely. While the angels are discussing their current situation amongst themselves, Satan “expresses a rather self-indulgent pity for them and says he must bring upon them ‘death’ and ‘long woes’; but in Milton’s world death is a very subtle or almost meaningless term, and they might gain honor in the end as a reward for their long woes” (Empson). They are cut off from the pleasurable experiences they were able to have before their condemnation, which would explain why Satan became jealous of Adam and Eve’s sexual relationship and where they lived in Paradise.

The author believes that one can view Satan’s character in two ways; either as sincere, and you sympathize with him, or as the enemy. No matter which, Satan is both sincere and villainous. Empson argues that Satan partially believes that he can actually save Adam and Eve from the all-powerful tyrant that used to rule over him and his followers, but he also wants to use them to spite God. It is at this point where the author believes that Satan is “rotting away”.

I agree with the author’s brief assessment of Satan, because in Paradise Lost there are moments were he shows regret and remorse towards his actions. When he first saw Adam and Eve in Eden, Satan had wished God had made him a “lesser being”. He is certainly indecisive, switching back and forth between certainty and doubt with his actions. I am not sure if I would call this “rotting away”, but it could arguably be hypocritical. He wants to start trouble, but then later regrets it. Is he able to make up his mind? What does he want?

Just a Note: The Presence of Prayer

I know Patti thinks this quote is funny, but when I read book 11 when Adam and Eve are repenting, this quote came to mind. Ignoring the fact that Laurell K Hamilton's Anita Blake series is really about vampires, I was reminded of this quote.

"I felt that wave of calm I always get when I pray. It doesn't mean you'll get what you want, but it does mean that someone is listening." -Anita Blake [Blue Moon]

Eve describes her emotions while she is praying: "Persuasion in me grew/That I was heard with favor. Peace returned/Home to my breast and to my memoer/His promise that thy Seed shall bruise our foe,/Which then not minded in dismay yet now/Assures me that the bitterness of death/Is past and we shall live." (11. 152-158). In this quote, it seems that Eve is more reassured about the future after she prays. Eve remains calmer and hopeful after she begs for forgiveness and is heard by God. I think this sort of relates to the quote from Laurell K. Hamilton's book, Blue Moon. Anyway, that's just what those lines reminded me of. Read it, think about it, and you know, whatever.

Reading Book 11, Adam and Eve are praying. Since I am rather religious, I find this really cool and really fascinating that prayer now enters the epic poem. What's interesting is how they pray and that they only begin to pray AFTER they have fallen. As discussed in class, I think the las page of Book 10 really captures the beginning of the idea behind repentance.

"So spake our father pertinent, nor Eve/Felt less remorse. They forthwith to the place/Repairing where He judged them prostate fell/Before Him reverent and both confessed/Humbly their faults and pardon begged, with tears/Watering to the ground and with their sighs the air/Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite in sign/Of sorrow unfeigned and humiliation meek." (10. 1097-1105)

This passage was repeated twice in Book 10, but the first time these lines are stated, the passage ends with a question mark. After it is repeated, it ends with a period. I was wondering what everyone else thinks of this? To me it almost seems that Adam is at first asking what they can do to repent, but then decides to do exactly what he asked. The use of repetition brings the tone of the book to a close as they decide how they are going to repent.

Prayer is explained in Book 11, where the prayers are heard by the Son and then presented to God. I really like the imagery in the beginning: "to Heav'n their prayers/Flew up nor missed the way be envious winds/Blown vagabond or frustrate. In they passed dimensionless through Heav'nly doors, then clad/With incense where the golden altar fumed/By their great Intercessor came in sight/Before their Father's throne" (11. 14-20).

I can definitely envision the prayers flying up to Heaven and being placed at God's throne, as if they were doves or something of the sort. The fact that these prayers withstand even the heaviest winds underlines the power behind prayer. It also seems that Eve is much more repentant than Adam is. Eve does not find herself worthy of being the mother of mankind (or, according to Andrea, the baby maker), and I think that Eve definitely takes a lot of the blame and guilt on herself more so than Adam does.

Anyway, this blog is rather short because I just wanted to point out the idea of total repentance and prayer in Paradise Lost. Any thoughts?

Errr... I forgot...

I think we're supposed to post our comments with a link as actual posts... Sorryy!

I posted this on Lauren's post. Here's the link

Lauren, I really like your idea in this post! I, too, am rather obsessed with Charmed, so I know what you're talking about. I don't think you're stretching it. Eve is acting like she should; she's offering to save the rest of mankind as opposed to just her [or just Adam].

I think that evil/sin/death operate in deception and trickery as well as... invisibility? [Sorry, sounds odd... not sure how to phrase that!]

Also, usually in Charmed, there's some bigger evil that the demons [in this instance, maybe the four horsemen] are doing the bidding for - the Source for instance. It's the same thing with this passage. Sin and Death are, in essence, doing Satan's bidding. He set everything up, tempting Eve and therefore Adam to eat the apple, sealing their fate as well. Usually in Charmed, the Source or some other evil plans things out, or sets something up, and then uses others to enact the plan. This could also show part of Satan's manipulative personality.

Anyway, great connection to "pop culture"! I think it works :)

Eve grew up

In class today, we discussed Eve’s surprising attitude in Book 10, where she admits that it was her fault that she and Adam fell. In book 9, after eating the apple, Eve thinks about using the knowledge she now has over Adam so she will no longer be seen as his weaker. Instead, she offers him the apple, of which he eats, not wanting to live without her. He eats the apple because he loves her and doesn’t want to be without her. Later, Eve seems to have a change in character here, because she isn’t acting childish and blaming someone else, unlike Adam. Instead, Eve is willing to admit that it’s her fault. She doesn’t want Adam or her children to suffer because she committed a sin; so instead, she begins to think about suicide. When Adam talks her out of it, Eve offers to go to God and tell him that it was her fault, and only her. Adam talks her out of this as well. I think that Adam is not only whiny but selfish. He wants to keep Eve from doing the right thing because he doesn’t want to live without her. Eve loves Adam as well, but it seems that she would rather know that he’s safe from the wrath of God than make him suffer.

Throughout Paradise Lost, when Adam and Eve are shown, I think Eve is often portrayed as the “weaker,” being unequal to Adam. God assigns Adam to “rule” his wife, despite their obviously equal intellect. However, here Eve is showing her superiority when it comes to selflessness. She is more empathetic and does not want her husband nor their children to suffer for what she has done. Here, she seems to be the better person instead of Adam’s lesser. She is willing to sacrifice herself for someone else; she’s thinking about someone other than herself, and in a way, being heroic. Adam, on the other hand, seems to be flaky, childish and whiny, not wanting to live life without Eve. Instead, he blames God and Eve for why he ate the apple. Eve simply said that she was deceived by the snake, and she ate the apple. Adam doesn’t want to take responsibility for his actions, but Eve is more than willing to sacrifice herself for him. This, to me, makes Eve the better person.

The Road to Paradise: Sin and Death Book 10

After the fall of Adam and Eve, Sin and Death, aware of Satan's success, decide to build a road leading from Hell to Earth.
This allows Sin and Death to infect the world, thus destroying God's paradise and continuing to corrupt mankind.

"Both to destroy or unimmortal make/All kinds and for destruction to mature" (10.611-612).

Clearly their mission is to continue to destroy Earth (as seen when animals begin to eat each other).
This image of Sin and Death entering Earth with plans of destruction reminded me of an episode of "Charmed," specifically the episode "Apocalypse, Not." Remember Charmed? It was an awesome supernatural TV series that ran for 8 years next to Buffy in the 90's and continued to run until 2006ish. I am particularly obsessed with the show, seeing as I have all 8 seasons on DVD, and this image of Sin an Death corrupting and destroying the world for pleasure and revenge definitely made me think of Charmed.

So, this episode is from season 2 (which is actually a long time ago, man I am feeling old..), and basically it's about the four horseman of the Apocalypse, Death, War, Famine, and Strife, invading Earth.
I have posted youtube links containing the full episode for your enjoyment...
The episode is divided up into a few different parts though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bErMUil3oKI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDvoCNyxSaU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtaVWTUqgC4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-zRqTtR96o&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnSI8Eh91I4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GARMj6svoYU&feature=related


So, what's interesting is that this episode opens up with Phoebe, the youngest sister, asking her sisters the question, "What if a building is on fire? Do you save 5 strangers or 1 sibling?" This question sort of connects with Eve in Book 10. After Eve ate from the tree and the Son arrives, she offers to plead with God to punish only her so that mankind isn't. Here, Eve is willing to sacrifice herself in order to save mankind, people she doesn't even really know. In Charmed, the sisters realize that they should save 5 strangers instead of a sister because sometimes the greater good is more important than one sibling or person. I don't know if that is somewhat of a stretch for a connection, but I just thought it was interesting when I started to re-watch some of the episode.

The goal of the four horsemen is to bring about the end of the world by starting and creating war, strife, death, and famine by using their powers. In a way, their goal is similar to Sin's and Death's in Book 10. The beginning of this episode shows the four horsemen transferring into a different plane, which is sort of like Hell is for Sin and Death. This alternate world provides a safe haven for the horsemen, whereas Hell provides a haven for Sin and Death. While the four horsemen are corrupting the world, people do not see them (except for the Charmed Ones apparently). I would think it would be similar to how Sin and Death operate- that people/animals do not necessarily see them, but feel emotionally different instead. A concept of evil sometimes being invisible is kind of interesting. The four horsemen are more modern, yet relate to a very old plan to destroy the world. Even today, death, sin, and evil in general still exist and have the same motives as they did since their fall, just like the idea of the four horsemen.

I'm not sure what I'm going to add about this comment because I feel like this is somewhat of a brief topic, and once you see the episode, I think you may get the connection.

Go Eve!!

I do realize that it’s been a while since I’ve written one of these, my apologies. I do have some thoughts on Book 9, which happens to be my favorite out of the entire book so far. I’ll start where Adam and Eve have an intellectual discussion regarding their protection.

On pages 205 to 207, Adam and Eve each go back and forth discussing Satan. I’m not quoting anything in particular because I’m just talking about those three pages. Eve is worried that Satan will find a way to tempt them and eat from the Tree of Knowledge, because he is the one thing that they are not protected from. Adam is not concerned, believing that their situation is just a test of their faith. He has complete trust in God and His protection, but Eve knows that Satan may target her first since she is seen as weaker.

I think Eve’s passage brings some depth to her character because she is actually challenging Adam, someone who is above her. Before we see very traditional gender roles between the two characters, and Milton’s portrayal of Eve is not much to be reckoned with. Here she is actually voicing her concerns and does not back down because she knows what is going to happen. She knew Satan was going to go for the weaker first, and indeed he did wait until she was alone to talk to her.

“…May find us both far less prepared
The willinger I go, nor much expect
A foe so proud will first the weaker seek” (9: 381-383).

Her resistance to Adam’s view points out a type of strength in her character that was underestimated before. Eve was viewed as just vain and nurturing, but this is proving that she actually is her own character. Because this is Milton’s poem and not directly from the Bible, did this conversation actually happen biblically or is it entirely of Milton’s creation? Eve is still seen as the “weaker”, but had she been given the same amount of briefing that Adam had had, and was treated equally from the start, then maybe she would not have been tempted by Satan, or at least as easily. Satan’s arguments were very logistical and sounded very intelligent; something it seems that Eve is not used to hearing. What she hears is mostly through Adam, who is also a simpler being. Satan’s standpoint was very tempting because he was speaking to Eve like God or Raphael would speak to Adam; reassuring and knowledgeable.