Adam vs. Eve

Adam vs. Eve

I believe that John Milton’s Adam and Eve from Paradise Lost were not created equal.  “Then their different physical qualities are interpreted as emblems of their unequal natures and roles,” (Lewalski 467).  However a definite conclusion as to whom is above the other is a difficult task.  Adams role is to act above Eve and to lead the relationship.  This could give the allusion that he is above Eve because he is the one who in turn is supposed to talk directly to God.  Adam has also been seen in a new light based on the way he views a situation.  Eve can think things over and come up with new solutions, while Adam becomes fixated on the tragedy at hand (as seen in their reaction to the original sin).  Eve also had to submit to marrying Adam, “Eve, however, complicates the reading of her story as a simple submission to patriarchy,” (Lewalski 470).  The exhibition of Adams reasoning to fall with Eve because he is afraid to be alone again reminds us that he was also created first.  And even though God had intended on giving him a companion God was waiting for Adam to ask him for one.  If Adam never had, Eve may never have been created.  Another key point from this argument is that Eve was created as just that, a companion for Adam, someone for him to talk to and keep him company. 

            Is Adam better because he has more power?  No, he does not.  In my opinion Eve actually has a stronger ability to properly analyze a situation and then take action, she does slip up once, no doubt, but this must be overlooked when comparing the skills each of them possess.  Eve has the ability to “accept Gods judgment humbly”(Lewalski 473) while Adam “blames both Eve and God who gave her to him,”(Lewalski 473).  This shows who is more capable of accepting responsibility and to better make long-term decisions.  Because Adam’s sin is just as great as Eve’s for following her over God.  There was no misled temptation in this decision.

            All in all, I feel that the argument can be made that Eve is a stronger person than Adam however God has created them in such a way that Adam is superior to Eve.