How the figure of Eve shaped Western concepts of sin
In short: Explore how the narrative of the first woman became a foundational blueprint for moral and gendered archetypes in Western literature.
In this Gresham College lecture, Professor Joanna Bourke examines the enduring legacy of Eve as the 'original Evil Woman.' Since the 2nd century, Eve has been cast as the primary source of sin—tempted by Satan and responsible for seducing Adam to bring eternal wrath upon humanity.
The presentation highlights how the contrast between Eve's perceived weakness and the Virgin Mary's innocence has shaped Western texts. It also analyzes specific cultural symbols, such as the fig-leaf, as markers of both feminine origins and the carnality of evil.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Eve's Evil Legacies
- Also: Eve’s Evil Legacies
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