Gender & Sexuality in Paradise Lost

lityThe construction of sexuality in Paradise Lost is an intriguing debate amongst scholars and critics to this day. One of the central issues surrounding the discussion of is in relation to pre-lapsarian and post lapsarian sexuality. Some critics such as C.S Lewis and St. Augustine argue against this notion and say that any argument supporting this is entirely hypothetical and to debate further on it would only create false imagery. However the general view supports the concept of there being some presentation of pre and post fall sexuality in the poem. As sexuality is a central aspect of human identity, by writing on pre and post lapsarian sexuality Milton is revealing how the human condition changed with respect to the fall of mankind. In this essay I will address the presentation of sexuality in Paradise Lost and focus in particular on Eve’s role as an object of male desire. The construction of the female is a recurring construction throughout Renaissance Literature and Art. Phallocentric ideology is common in 17th century literature and Eve’s construction places Paradise Lost inside this misogynistic and patriarchal system which was accepted in Milton’s age.

Eve’s beauty is shown to stimulate erotic desire in both Adam and Satan. In Book IV, Eve’s physical beauty is depicted in a graceful and pure description: “She as a veil down to slender waist Her unadornèd golden tresses wore Dishevelled but in wanton ringlets waved As the vine curls her tendrils (which implied Subjection)” Eve is found to be both precious and delicate. She is weaker than Adam and this brings a vulnerability to her construction as well. This vulnerability and her “implied Subjection” suggest her submission to Adam as her master. There is a hierarchy present in their relationship with Adam being superior to Eve. The placement of women as inferior to male identity is a common recurrence of erotic feminine construction. Eve identifies herself as being subordinate to Adam and addresses him