Individual Post: Quotation

In Class on Friday, we touched on the sexism that is displayed in Paradise Lost. I would like to expand on that idea through the portrayal of Adam & Eve, the inhabitants of earth.

"Two of far nobler shape erect and tall,

Godlike erect with native honor clad

In naked Majesty,seemed lords of all.

And worthy seemed for i their looks divine

The image of their glorious Maker shone:

Truth, wisdom, sanctitude severe and pure,

Severe, but in true filial freedom placed,

Whence true authority in men. Though both

Not equal as their sex not equal seemed:

For contemplation he and valor formed,

For softness she and sweet attractive grace:

He for God only, she for God in him." (IV.288-298)

In this quotation, both Adam and Eve are first displayed as majestic and "the image of their glorious Maker"(line 292). As I read the first few lines, it seemed as though man was God's greatest creation, after all he was called the "lords of all" (line 290). I also felt as though god had the most pride in what he had given man :"truth, wisdom, sanctitude severe and pure" (line 293). Milton expresses an image of perfect beings, seemingly compatible and living in a world care free and with an equal stance. Both seemingly above all other creatures, and positioned at the top of the totem pole of life. However as I continued to read, I saw more of a separation between the two.

"His fair large front and eyes sublime declared

Absolute rule, and hyacinthine locks

Round from his parted forelock manly hung

Clust'ring but not beneath his shoulders broad.

She as a veil down to the slender waist

Her unadorned golden tresses wore

Dishevelled but in wanton ringlets waved

As the vine curls her tendrils, which implied 

Subjection" (IV, 300-308)

Adam is described in a more powerful role, where as Eve seems more submissive. Adam is given descriptions that portray him as strong and authoritative. Eve's description are softer features, which I believe shows a lack of power and an image that makes her weak. Why such a difference in description? With further reading I glanced at the footnotes, and I was drawn to one footnote in particular stating " Eve's long, beautiful hair is a sign of her submission to Adam's authority. Adam and Eve are not equals but exist, like everything else in Milton's idea of divine Creation in hierarchy." (p.86) When I used to go to sunday school, we were always told that "God creates man equal"; but is this description not one of inequality? I wonder how children in the seventeenth century were taught, because it couldn't have been about equality. This was the time before women's suffrage, where women were still seen as subordinate. Is Milton portraying society in these lines? Are these his own views? Or were they shared with everyone?

From this point on I began to pay close attention to how the two interacted with each other, and began to notice other details where Eve plays the role of a follower to Adam.

As Adam & Eve talk, Adam takes up conversation first describing how fortunate they (Adam and Eve) are, when they only have to tend to gardens and stay away from the Tree 

of Knowledge. Right from the start of Eve's speech, Eve shows her submission to Adam stating "O thou for whom/And from whom I was formed flesh of thy flesh/And

without whom am to no end, my guide/And head, what thou hast said is just and right." (IV,440-443) Eve calls Adam her "guide",but I feel as though this is another example

of her submission to Adam, and his role as the authoritative man. I would like to quote one last quote, spoken by Eve to Adam "My author and disposer, what thou bidst/

Unargued I obey: so God ordains./God is thy law, thou mine."(IV,635-637) With this quote, I think it becomes exceedingly clear, that Adam answers to God, and Eve

answers to Adam. The quote says "Unargued I obey", once again showing Eve's submission to Adam and illustrating the sexism displayed in Paradise Lost.

As I continue reading Paradise Lost, I expect to find more examples of sexism, and possibly an answer to some of my questions. Why did God create Eve as a lesser being

to Adam- was it because he knew that she would be persuaded by Satan? Or was it due to hierarchy, that only one of then can be at the top, and the other must constantly be a

step below? Or finally was this simply a reflection of current times, or did Milton agree with this portrayal of man and woman?

Rebecca R.