Essay Questions

Is Adam portrayed as a spoiled character in The Coming of Lilith by Judith Plaskow?

The story The Coming of Lilith is a simulation of the Biblical narrative of creation in the book of Genesis. In this story, God creates Adam and gives him a helper called Lilith. The author depicts Adam as a lazy individual because he is not ready to execute his responsibilities. When Adam asks Lilith to clean the garden, she refuses and accuses him of being lazy and she runs away to live in the forest. God comes back to check on the progress of Adam’s family but he is shocked to be told by Adam that Lilith ran away. God goes to Lilith to convince her to come back but she completely refuses. God decides to create Eve from Adam’s rib while he is asleep. However, God realizes later that Lilith is right because Adam is naturally lazy because he views Eve as a helper who should do everything on his behalf.

Can present-day failed marriages be blamed on Adam?

More often than not, men are blamed for failed marriages. The reader can bear witness than most marriages stand and last because women can put up with the failures of men. The helper mentality that is introduced in the Garden of Eden is the main reason why men are always running away from their responsibilities in marriage. In most societies, men consider themselves superior to women because they believe that women are created from their ribs. Therefore, men want women to perform most of the responsibilities and this is the root cause why most marriages are failing.

What is the symbolic meaning of the character Adam?

Adam is used in this story symbolically to represent seclusion and closeness to God. People come closer to God when they have problems and God is always ready to listen. For instance, Adam is left lonely when Lilith runs away and he complains this to God. God is caring and he ensures that he creates Eve from Adam's rib so that he can keep him company. However, Even sometimes climbs over the forbidden wall to meet Lilith where they discuss Adam and other things leaving Adam alone. When Adam feels secluded, he talks to God and God is always there for him.