A Harmony of Roles | By Emory Cooper.

Milton portrays Eden as a beautiful paradise. In this creation, the ordered landscape, the sweet scent of the flowers, and the tasty fruit all lend themselves to a wonderful experience of the senses. But I would assert that the pinnacle of goodness and beauty in this garden is found in those for which it was formed, in Adam and Eve; "for in their looks divine/The image of their glorious maker shone" (Book 4, lines 291-292).

Our first parents are equally made in the image of God. At the same time, however, they each differ distinctly from the other, so much that "Though both/Not equal as their sex nor equal seemed" (4. 295-296). Adam is described as tall and broad-shouldered, with hair no longer than shoulder length. He also seems to speak first in each dialogue. Such exterior traits of his figure and his deeds exemplify his role as leader, protector, and provider for his wife. In stark contrast to the man, the woman is depicted as being smaller, softer, and much more lovely, with hair down to the waist. She is also shown preparing food and drink for Adam and the angel Raphael. In her appearance and actions, Milton portrays her as a nurturer, helpmeet, and homemaker, a willing subject to her husband just as he is directly accountable to God.

With this much difference in roles, it may seem paradoxical, even problematic, to say that both of these people were created equal. But to quote Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." Both Adam and Eve equally bore God's image, so they equally shared the dignity that comes with it. And Paradise Lost merely reflects the fact that the two were not only content, but appreciative of the fact, that they were different. Though Satan failed to do so, we should seek to, like Adam and Eve, embrace the beautiful harmony of roles.

[I commented on the posts by Bug Olsen and Ashlyn Scism.]

Comments

  1. I love looking at the biblical context of marriage and the first couple. My mother used to always say, "both male and female have separate traits of the creator that when combined make a beautiful reflection of his nature."

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  2. I agree! Milton has a way of entrancing the audience in his descriptions throughout Paradise Lost. It's baffling to me that this man was blind. The way he portrays Adam and Eve is symbolic. It would be a great essay topic for you!

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  3. Emory I loved your connection back to the text on this topic. Men and Women have roles God gave us to make us distinct and unique from each other. The world sees this as inequality but I think that comes from our fallen natures. Where God sees us the same regardless of our defining factors.

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