Women in "Genesis"

Paper Summary:

This paper explores how the manner in which women portrayed in the Old Testament, in genera,l and in "Genesis" 1-3, in particular, have played a key role in shaping the respective roles of men and women throughout the Western world to the present day. It shows how an analysis of the stories of Eve and the four matriarchs provides a glimpse into how and why men and women have been relegated to assigned roles within a cultural framework and just what is required to challenge and overcome powerful authoritative sources.

From the Paper:

"The "patriarchal" narratives in the early parts of Genesis are replete with episodes in which the will of the women is regarded as being superior to that of their husbands because in certain areas they did in fact command superior authority; authority that in some instances was clearly supported by the supreme deity as set forth in Genesis. According to Teubal, this aspect is evinced by Abram, who must accept the banishment of his son Ishmael from Hebron, where Sarah lives. Whatever Sarah tells you, do as she says," his God instructs him. Unable to oppose Sarah's command, Abram follows Hagar and Ishmael to the wilderness of Beer-sheba. Traditionally, it has been believed that it was Sarah's intolerable abuse of Hagar that forced the slave to flee with her son; however, Sarah's action, with the God's approval, resulted not from an emotional state, but rather from a strict adherence to a form of legalistic tradition."

More papers on Women in "Genesis":

• Analytical Essay # 90535 : "Gender Roles in Ancient Philosophy and Religion"
• Analytical Essay # 53636 : "Women of Centuries Past"
• Analytical Essay # 7015 : "The Book of Genesis: The Spectator vs. The Close Confidante"

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