Depiction of Adam

I found it really interesting in the different ways Adam is depicted as being at fault in the fall. In paradise lost is describes Eve as taking a bite from the apple and then running to find Adam for him to do the same. I never heard the story go that way because I always thought they were together when Satan tempted them. And, in paradise lost Adam has already figured out how much damage Eve has made by doing this so he takes a bite too because he doesn't want to be away from her. This is seen as still Eve's fault because she "made him do this." In Salve Deus, there was a really interesting quote that says, "But surely Adam cannot be excused; Her fault though great, yet he was most to blame; What weakness offered, strength might have refused, Being lord of all, the greater was his shame. Although the serpent's craft had her abused, God's holy word ought all his actions frame, For he was lord and king of all earth..." (lines 33-39). I had never looked at the story this way and thought about how much greater the blame should be on Adam because he was the ruler of the garden and the lord. It is interesting to look at the story like this and have the blame sort of pushed on the other side because it is never looked at this way. This is a pretty feminist way to look at the story of the fall but is very different and a new perspective i had never heard before.

Andrea Yarnell