“Eve’s Diary” by Mark Twain Essay

evenings Diary is a satirical account of the long time in the Garden of Eden. distich recounts the well-known tale of Genesis through a series of journal entries written by transport and eve these in-person accounts make for an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Twains personifications of gender stereotypes are easily identified but lead the reader into a further exploration of Twains deeper purpose. Twains writing style explicates the paradoxical relationship between men and women. Furthermore, spell and Eves conflicting perspectives inwardly the journal entries provide an illustration of their magnetic reliance on one another, despite their glacial differences.The story begins with Eve on the day after her beingness Twain creates a tone of despair as Eve ponders her situation and existence. That is what I AM-an experiment just an experiment, and nothing more (Twain 10). As Eve deducts that in that location must be a counterpart to her existence, her disposition of a sudden changes from anguish to optimism. Through this character development, Twain portrays companionship as Eves buyback and furthermore, mocks the modern idea of the contingency of a womans survival on that of a mans.Eves perception changes as abruptly as her disposition. Once her mind is at ease, she becomes conscious and appreciative of her surroundings. This majestic new world is indeed a most noble and beautiful work. And for sure marvelously near to being perfect, notwithstanding the shortness of the time (Twain 14). Twain uses Eves passionate and enthusiastic mentality as a personification of the model of femininity according to nineteenth century stereotypes.The diction and timing of Adams introduction exaggerates Eves naivety and sets a originator for Twains exploration of their paradoxical relationship.Eves entry reads, All the week I tagged around after him and tried to bond acquainted. I had to do the talking, because he was shy, but I didnt mind it. He seemed pl eased to have me around, and I used the sociable we a serious deal, because it seemed to flatter him to be included (Twain 35). Though it is told from Eves perspective, Twain wants the reader to negate Eves idealization when reading of her interactions with Adam. When one does so, Adams annoyance with Eve is apparent.In addition, Twain makes a considerable effort to portray Adam as haughty, cynical, and drastically unattached in comparison to Eve Twain uses Adam as a personification of conventional conception of masculinity. During the last day or two I have see all the work of naming things off his hands, and this has been a great relief to him, for he has no gift in that line, and is evidently very grateful (Twain 178). If interpreted in the manner Twain intended, it is clear that Adam has no concern with naming the creatures and is equally indifferent towards Eve.Twain develops these satirical personifications even further to parcel out two slightly less superficial purposes . Twain uses these conceptions to delve into the profound relationship between men and women but also to denounce them through his diction. Twains defiance begins with his decision to give Eve, a woman, the predominant voice in the narrative. He shows further disregard for popular opinion when he tells of the population of fire. I had created something that didnt exist before I had added a new thing to the worlds uncountable propertiesI realized this, and was proud of my achievement, and was going to do and find him and tell him about it, thinking to raise myself in his esteem-but I reflected, and did not do it. No-he would not care for it (Twain 67). Twains decision to address such a pivotal aspect of human survival to a woman exhibits either an immense reverence for women or a severe distain for well-worn thought. Regardless, Twains upheaval of the hierarchy of traditional Western gender roles transcends time and leaves the reader to contemplate the validity of gender roles.Ur sula LeGuin, a published and notable author of short stories herself, discusses the prevalence of personification of stereotypical gender roleswithin _Adam and Eves Diary_. LeGuin argues that Twains personifications of gender stereotypes are the most key aspect of any literally analysis of works by Mark Twain (LeGuin 32). Deviating slightly from the focus of LeGuins analysis, the most important purpose of Eves Diary to be the paradoxical relationship between men and women. As the journal progresses, so does the connection between Adam and Eve. Although their differences remain vast, Adam and Eve demonstrate a dynamic reliance on one another. They compliment one another in a sense of discord their stereotypical personas seem to become less obtrusive as they grow together.Through Eve, Adam is humbled and learns to be appreciative and observant of his surroundings. Adam has a same effect on Eve her interest in aesthetics diminishes and while she remains optimistic, she is not so dan gerously nave. The story digresses to forty geezerhood later, with Adam at Eves grave. Adams eulogy for his lifeless wife is ingeniously engineered to resonate with nearly every reader. He says, wheresoever she was, THERE was Eden (Twain 129). Adam, and therefore the male gender collectively, possessed a magnetic dependence on Eve that was as involuntary as the polar differences between the two. Twain accomplished a feat that the laws of nature could not through Adam and Eves Diary, Twain provides an unprecedented look into wherefore men and women attract in circumstances that should naturally repel them from one another.Works CitedLeGuin, Ursula K. Introduction. The Diaries of Adam and Eve. By Mark Twain. NewYork Oxford UP, 1996. XXXI-XLI.Twain, Mark. _Adam and Eves Diary_ Eves Diary, Complete. Project Gutenburg. 14June 2004. PDF iBook.