Eves Apology In Defense Of Wom
In one of Aemilia Lanyer's poems, "Eve's Apology in Defense of Women," a reinterpretation of the past has been presented as a means to demand a better present, and future, for women. Though Lanyer lived when the world frowned upon women writers, she managed to be "one of the few published woman poets of the Renaissance" (p 1059). This fact of such a great accomplishment for a woman in the world did not, however, changes the forms in which it was acceptable for a woman to write. Therefore, because Lanyer was limited to write in the form of a journal, letter or devotation, her cry for sexual equality needed to be disguised in one of these forms. Thus, as a devotation to God, Aemilia ...
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very strong argument, within the confines of her society, for the reasons why women deserve and have earned the right to equality with men.
Amongst Aemilia Lanyer's arguments towards equality, she includes the fall of Adam and Eve from the grace of God. It is Lanyer's belief that the blame should not have landed solely upon Eve's shoulders for this fall, but instead Adam should be held most responsible. Lanyer claims: "But surely Adam cannot be excused" (p 1060 ln 33). However, Lanyer has been open-minded enough to acknowledge Eve's guilt as well when she says: "Her (Eve's) fault though great," (p 1060 ln 34). Regardless of Lanyer's admission to Eve's share of the guilt, she continues this thought by stating: "yet he (Adam) was most to blame" (p 1060 ln 34). To support her blame of Adam for such tremendous faults, Lanyer makes certain that her readers understand the reasons why Eve is innocent. According to Lanyer, Eve cannot be held accountable because, firstly, she was ...
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is actually Adam's releases women of the blame for the fall from grace.
The sentencing and crucifixion of Christ by Pilate is another of Lanyer's main topics. Throughout "Eve's Apology in Defense of Women" she pleads with Pilate to follow his heart about Jesus' faultlessness. She cries "don not in innocent blood inbrue thy hands" (p 1059 ln 6). Continually Eve's mistake, that of a naive, simple woman is compared with the great evil that Pilate is about to make as he refuses to heed his wife's warning. This is Lanyer's way to further prove the innocence of Eve, and in turn, of all women. Pilate's wife, according to Lanyer has redeemed women from any guilt that Eve may have placed upon ...
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"Eves Apology In Defense Of Wom." Essayworld.com. January 2, 2008. Accessed November 19, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Eves-Apology-In-Defense-Of-Wom/76833.
"Eves Apology In Defense Of Wom." Essayworld.com. January 2, 2008. Accessed November 19, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Eves-Apology-In-Defense-Of-Wom/76833.
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