Milton's Adam and Eve

Paper Summary:

This paper compares the characters of Adam and Eve in Milton's novel. The experiences of Adam and Eve are compared, beginning with a description of how they each recall their own creation. This is followed by a discussion of how they each recall their first meeting. This continues with a discussion of how this impacted on the relationship that developed and eventually led to Eve leading Adam into temptation and the eating of the forbidden fruit which marked their downfall.

From the Paper:

"Firstly, to consider Eve's creation. Eve recalls her creation when she "first awaken...much wondering where / And what I was. Whence thither brought, and how? (IV, 450 - 452). The first thing that Eve does is walk towards the sound of water and look at her reflection in the lake. Eve looks at her reflection in the water and recalls, "Pleased it returned as soon with answering looks / Of sympathy and love; there I had fixed / Mine eyes til now, and pined with vain desire" (IV, 464 - 466). Eve immediately recognizes the beauty of this reflection, without initially realizing that she is looking at herself. This shows that Eve is not necessarily vain, she is simply recognizing beauty she sees before realizing it is her own beauty. In Eve's creation then, she immediately becomes aware that she is a creature of beauty and sees this as her purpose. She also realizes that her purpose is to be a mother and to please her male partner. As Eve recalls, "Whose image thou art, him thou shalt enjoy / Inseparably thine, to him thalt shall bear / Multitudes like thyself, and thence be called / Mother of human race" (IV, 472 - 475). This shows that Eve immediately becomes aware that she has been created for the purpose of pleasing Adam and for being a mother. It is also important to note that Eve does not view herself as answering to God, but places Adam of higher importance. In her memories of how she responded to creation, she mentions only herself and Adam, but does not mention God. This is a reflection of the fact that Eve was specifically created for Adam."

More papers on Milton's Adam and Eve:

• Analytical Essay # 16209 : "Adam and Eve"
• Book Review # 102021 : "Paradise Lost": Adam and Eve's Separation"
• Poem Review # 111039 : "Milton's Eve: A Woman Before Her Time"

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