Paradise Regained: A Critical Analysis of John Milton’s Adam using theories of masculinities

• In Event: 308 - Section on Sociology of Sex and Gender Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 02. Masculinity

Abstract

The first story in the book of Genesis is that of the creation of the universe and the humankind’s ancestors, namely Adam and Eve. Even though it originated more than 2500 years ago, this story still is a predominant narrative in Western culture. Throughout the years this narrative has been recaptured in many cultural and social artifacts. Along this process of institutionalization, some aspects of the social order, the gender roles and the gender characteristics that manifest in this ancient narrative have been objectified and gained legitimacy. I would like to argue that this narrative’s cultural and social inculcation has had important implications on the ways we define and social perceive gender in general and masculinity and manhood in particular. Ultimately, I wish to examine Adam’s masculinity as it is depicted in John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost,” while analyzing it by using contemporary theories of masculinities. I believe this project is important because it can trace aspects of present-day manhood back to those of “the first man,” thus showing how these aspects were (re)produced throughout the generations. Moreover, I intend to offer a feminist and queer reading of this narrative, thereby suggesting new ways to interpret and perceive the types of masculinities that are illustrated in this ancient narrative.

Author

• Robert Cserni, State University of New York at Stony Brook