Can the Story of Eve (Genesis 2-3) be Interpreted as Feminist

Abstract

This essay will argue that Eve in Genesis 2-3 cannot be interpreted as feminist as her story, tied to Adam, is inherently patriarchal. I will argue against three points that form the basis of a feminist re-interpretation of Genesis 2-3: that Adam is ungendered, that Eve is made from Adam’s side rather than his rib, and, that Eve is Adam’s suitable helper rather than his subordinate. I argue that feminist and traditional interpretations of Eve define her existence in relation to Adam’s prior existence. In this way, Eve consistently represents the Other, as she is defined only in reference to the Subject Adam, a man (De Beauvoir, 1949, 26). Eve is incidental while Adam is essential, and for a representation to be truly feminist it must show the woman as the Subject.