Who is the Woman in the Garden? Reception of Eve in Genesis 2–4

Date
2022-04-20
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Abstract

Reception Theory performs a critical role in understanding the nature of interpretation, production of knowledge, and social memory. This thesis employs Reception History hermeneutics in order to peer outside of the confines of a presumed authorial “truth” about the nature of Eve in Genesis 2–4. Moreover, I aim to demonstrate that Eve is received and interpreted by readers based on their preconstructed knowledge, cognitive frames, and social and historical memory. This thesis begins with an exploration of the intersection between Reception Theory and Biblical Studies. Additionally, it includes four case studies, two ancient and two modern, in order to demonstrate the importance of reception and knowledge production in development of ideas about Eve’s nature. I employ cognitive-social critique rooted in Reception Theory in order to assert that Eve is not received consistently, and, therefore, no exegesis can produce an authorial “truth” about the nature of Eve. Moreover, I aim to convey some of the ways in which receptions of Eve in Genesis 2–4 provide an understanding of the social constructions of gender in their respective times, places, and spaces.

Description
Degree
Master of Arts
Type
Thesis
Keywords
Eve, Genesis 2–4, Reception History, Reception History Hermeneutics, Feminist Biblical Studies, Biblical Studies, Gnosticism, Women's Studies, Tertullian, Sethian Gnosticism, Gerhard von Rad, Phyllis Trible, Artifact Migration, April D. DeConick
Citation

Stieber, Angela Elaine. "Who is the Woman in the Garden? Reception of Eve in Genesis 2–4." (2022) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/113502.

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