Allegory: The Fascination Of Eve And Eve

Genesis chapter three uses the allegorical story of Adam and Eve’s original sin to describe the process of humans maturing into adulthood. Like children, Adam and Eve begin the chapter under the ruling of a parental role (God); Eve’s act of taking the fruit becomes a metaphor for the desire for freedom children develop as they grow. The serpent first introduces Eve to the idea of rebellion by questioning God’s rule, “Hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree in the garden?” (3:1) Eve makes it clear she is aware of God’s rule and recites it in an almost childlike manner, “God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die” (3:3). Despite understanding God’s ruling, Eve develops a childlike curiosity with what is forbidden to her, which is shown through her fascination of the tree in her thoughts: “good for food” and “pleasant to the eyes” (3:6). Her curiosity and fascination lead her to give in to temptation; by eating the fruit and rebelling against God’s power, Adam and Eve take the first steps towards their independence and growth. …show more content…
As well as introducing rebellion, the serpent also tempts Eve with the promise of learning, “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes will be opened” (3:5). The idea of wisdom is then integrated into Eve’s decision for eating the fruit, “when the woman saw the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof.” (3:6). Eve’s desire for wisdom coupled with her fascination of the forbidden persuade her into disobeying. Therefore, the serpent embodies not just a seducer but also a liberator who brings knowledge to the previously naïve Adam and