Adam and Eve Relationship Essay Plan

"nothing lovelier can be found in woman Than to study household good"

Reinforces values of the time, relationship between man and wife similar to that of king and servant, Puritan values "Neither was the man created for the woman, but the woman for the man"

"beyond the row of myrtle"

Satan manipulates Eve's marriage in temptation, emblem of faithful marriage, Milton's divorce tracts 'The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce'

"divine of something ill ... he the faltering measure felt"

Spiritual connection, King James I fascination in witchcraft, broken iambic pentameter in 846, change in dynamics, Milton wanted to free himself from "modern bondage of rhyme"

"Reason is free and Reason he made right ... bid her well beware"

Personification of reason as female, reason has limitations as do women, mouthpiece of God, Adam holds direct relationship with God, Adam taught this by Raphael in Book 5

"keep the odds of knowledge in my power"

Adam above in contextual Chain of Being due to intellectual superiority, Milton funded nephew's education to greater extent than daughters

"for inferior who is free?"

Power dynamic between Adam and Eve, context of parliamentarians, Milton writing in politically tumoultous times, endorsed regicide in 'Of the Tenure of Kings and Magistrates'

More relatable language

Discourse of more contemporary and modern relationships, Milton previously trying to elevate Literature up to Greek myths

"for my being, why wouldst thou the head absolutely command me"

Adam's position in the relationship, hierarchal structure of 17th century society, context of parliamentarians

"Thus it shall Befall him who to worth in women overtrust"

Final words a warning to mankind, misogynistic, reinforces ideals of the time, Adam only granted superiority after Fall