Gender Roles In John Milton's Paradise Lost

In today’s society, the definition of a woman stereotypically characterizes females as being responsible for cleaning the house, cooking, and caring for children. On the other hand, if what do women want was searched on the internet, the top answer choices would be what a woman wants out of a man. Society portrays the most important aspects in a woman’s life as being a man and taking care of a home. Expressing women as wanting deep connections in their relationships, meaning in their life, and self importance, Milton, during the times 1608–1674, manages to write the poem Paradise Lost. This epic poem portrays the first woman, Eve, in a distinct way by explaining the question “what do women want?”. John Milton attempts to answer this question in his poem through the reflection of the common beliefs of the 17th century, symbolism, relationships, and characterization. …show more content…
Milton, during the times 1608–1674, manages to write the poem Paradise Lost, portraying the first woman, as wanting deep connections in her relationships,meaning in her life, and self importance, in a very stereotypical way. The question, “what do women want?”, perceives different interpretation, taking Milton’s example of how he portrays Eve. In Milton’s attempt to answer this question, some sources argue it is the role each character plays that define what women want, and others argue that it is the time era of the author that forces women to be perceived in certain desires. Through the reflection of the common beliefs of the 17th century, symbolism, relationships, and characterization, Milton shows what Eve wants as a woman. Whether it is the main character desires or her opposing personality in the end, no matter the case, what a woman wants always reflect back on relationships, meaning in their life, and self importance, no matter the stereotypical ways her desires are set