Reading Notes: Adam and Eve Part B

The second part of the Adam and Eve unit brought closure to the two titular characters. Much of the story was a contrast to the beginning of Adam and Eve as the God punished the two for their transgression. Adam and Eve are exposed to much of the opposite of what is seen in The Garden such as darkness, a desire for water, and heat from the sun. This stark contrast from the paradise of what they had experienced before makes it clear to the reader the severity of their sin. Additionally, Part B brings back the serpent and his role as an adversary. Yet, this time God is able to foil his plans and takes away his ability to speak. The serpent's characterization as a villain has not changed from the previous stories. However, Adam and Eve do see a transformation in Part B. Having been favored among God, they soon fall out his favor and are forced to dwell in a cave for five and half days. The culmination of the story does lead to Adam and Eve falling back into good grace as they offer themselves to God for their sins. Ultimately, the story of Adam and Eve shows a circular character arc as they return to where they once were, being with God. When comparing the presentation of the Book of Adam and Eve compared to the Legends of the Jews version by Ginzberg and the King James Bible, it is evident that the Book of Adam and Eve is much more similar to the Ginzberg version of the story. While the language is not completely modern, its more attuned to contemporary language and helps the reader in understanding the imagery of the story. The depiction of the cave as dark and bare was clear from the descriptions. This is again similar to Ginzberg whose imagery made The Garden easier for the reader to understand. Overall, Part B of the Adam and Eve shows the character arc of the two characters and brings finality to the story.

Bibliography:
The Forgotten Books of Eden, edited by Rutherford H. Platt, Jr. (1926): The First Book of Adam and Eve 23-24-25.

Met Museum: Adam and Eve pleading to God

Comments

Introducing the RealNeal

Wow. It is crazy to think that I am already back in Norman for my junior year. While my first two years were full of unique experiences, I never imagined that I would be a writing a blog to begin my third year! To start off, I am psychology major on the pre medicine track. Ever since I took psychology in high school I found studying the mind and the way people act so interesting. However, I always had the goal of becoming a physician which explains the pre-med track. Although I am an OU student, I still consider myself a proud Texan. I come from a relatively small town in East Texas where high school football is king and perhaps the most famous thing is that Matthew Mccounaughey graduated from my high school (he even came to our high school graduation this year to give a speech!). Wikimedia Commons : Longview High School Now some other facts about me. I am a huuuuuuggeeeeee tennis fan. I have been playing tennis since I was 7 years old, and played through out high school. N

Comment Wall

Welcome to the Greek mythology Common App comment section! Feel free to comment, share, or predict whose application will have the most success! Link to storybook : https://sites.google.com/view/greekcommonapp/home Wikimedia : Temple of Apollo, a major figure of the storybook

Barcelona: My Favorite Place

A Christmas trip to Barcelona following my first semester at OU introduced me to a city that captured my heart. Because of my previous experience in highschool taking art history, I was engrossed in the modern architecture of the city, mainly of the work of acclaimed architect Antonio Gaudi. Moreover, the night life and unique Catalan traditions conveyed a city with a blend of modern and traditional tastes. Finally, as a huge soccer fan I was amazed by the sight of Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona FC and one of the cathedrals of soccer. (La Sagrada Familia; personal image) (Local food market; personal image) (Max Pixel: Camp Nou , Home of FC Barcelona)

Mythology and Folklore

Search This Blog