John Milton 's epic, Paradise Lost, recounts the Christian Creation story, filling in the gaps with touches of misogynistic lore shaped by the culture of his time. Although it is difficult to conclude whether Milton 's sexist portrayal was intended to bring an awareness to the absurdity of gender roles or was intended to reinforce the patriarchal culture of his time, it is undeniable that the gender roles presented in Paradise Lost are still pertinent. Acknowledging that gender equality is the fifth United Nations Sustainable Global Development Goal, it is crucial to examine the roots of these beliefs in two of the most influential pieces of literature: the Bible and Paradise Lost. Adam and Eve’s gender stereotyped relationship is often cited as the ideal marriage, but
…show more content…
Adam is not her superior because of his masculinity, but because according to the Bible and Paradise Lost he was the first human and he had already lived a lifetime of experiences before Eve was created. Eve’s inferiority is often inaccurately considered a result of her gender. This misplaced assumption has thereby contributed to the gender roles that plague many of today 's relationships. The Bible initially presents Adam and Eve as equals. In Genesis, Eve was cursed with female inferiority as a result of the fall. “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you” (Genesis 3:16); This was Eve’s punishment. However, in Paradise Lost, Milton clearly depicts Eve as the inferior creature prior to the fall. As written in the Bible “the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man 's ribs and closed up the place with flesh” (Genesis 2:21). Milton expands on this idea and emphasizes that Eve was created from Adam and for Adam. Adam wanted a companion to love and form a relationship with; while talking to God he says, “Thou hast provided all things: but with me/ I
Adam is not her superior because of his masculinity, but because according to the Bible and Paradise Lost he was the first human and he had already lived a lifetime of experiences before Eve was created. Eve’s inferiority is often inaccurately considered a result of her gender. This misplaced assumption has thereby contributed to the gender roles that plague many of today 's relationships. The Bible initially presents Adam and Eve as equals. In Genesis, Eve was cursed with female inferiority as a result of the fall. “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you” (Genesis 3:16); This was Eve’s punishment. However, in Paradise Lost, Milton clearly depicts Eve as the inferior creature prior to the fall. As written in the Bible “the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man 's ribs and closed up the place with flesh” (Genesis 2:21). Milton expands on this idea and emphasizes that Eve was created from Adam and for Adam. Adam wanted a companion to love and form a relationship with; while talking to God he says, “Thou hast provided all things: but with me/ I