Katie's Analysis of "Mother Eve"

Katie Richards
11/14/11
Critical Analysis
“The Real Mother Eve”

In Beverly Campbell’s article, “Mother Eve, Mentor for Today’s Woman: A Heritage of Honor,” Eve’s role in God’s plan is thoroughly questioned, examined, and expounded upon. As the modern Christian paradigm of Eve is often skewed, Campbell thought it her duty to convince LDS readers, especially LDS women, of Mother Eve’s wisdom in partaking of the forbidden fruit. Through the effective use of appeals to all three tools of rhetoric—logos, pathos, and ethos—Campbell changes her audience’s notion of Eve from an ignorant sinner to an honorable servant.

It is difficult to argue with logic, and Beverly Campbell uses this to her advantage in her article. She does this best with her extensive comparisons of the translated words in our scriptures to their original Hebrew. After all, “an examination of the word itself yields an altogether different meaning.” Campbell sheds light on the meanings of many words and phrases commonly identified with Eve and her wickedness or her lack of knowledge. To say that she was “beguiled” really means she had an intense psychological experience; to declare her a “helpmeet” actually makes her a rescuer or savior, equal with Adam; when the Lord vowed that He would “multiply [Eve’s] sorrow and conception,” He really meant that Eve would bring children into the world many times, and that it would not be easy. Informing the audience of these linguistic details does wonders to enlighten their understanding of Mother Eve and her motives. Another logical tactic employed is the allusion to understandable and relatable situations. Examples of orders given to small children to keep them safe help the reader to better comprehend God’s apparently conflicted commandment to Adam and Eve. References to such real-world situations, and their connections to the story of the Fall, are straightforward and make sense. Campbell argues many of her points by appealing to the reader’s intellectual understanding.

As much as we would like to think we are purely logical beings, most humans are most affected and influenced by their emotions. The author successfully appeals to this part of human nature by working on our emotions—in both a positive and a negative fashion. She is especially successful in understanding and speaking to females. She begins with a portrayal the world’s distorted and detrimental view of women, and the possible origins of this view that trace back to Eve. She states that in much of the histories/literature she has found that mention women, there is an “undercurrent of apology, as though there were something not quite ‘all right’ about being a woman.” This immediately puts any woman who has ever been slighted by the world on the author’s terms, and incites empathy and indignation from said woman. Campbell goes as far as to blame all men’s problems on Eve, for “to the unenlightened the phrase ‘Adam fell that men might be’ has come to mean ‘poor dear man had to fall because of Eve’s foolish choice.’” Such a blatant and dramatic expression pricks the feminist fibers in all women. However, as Campbell continues, the reader learns of Eve’s divinity and of God’s love for His precious daughter, and all is made right. The remedy is so powerful because all women, no matter their circumstances, can put themselves into Eve’s place and feel somewhat of the burden and responsibility she carried. This leads to another of Campbell’s emotional devices: placing the reader within the text. By inviting the reader to imagine how it must have felt to watch the great drama of the Fall unfold, or how Satan must have felt when he realized he had triggered the plan of mortality, she allows the reader to explore themselves emotionally. The encouragement of such an emotional journey is a key factor of the effectiveness of this article.

By citing apostles, college professors, and other authoritative figures, Campbell relies heavily on the appeal to ethos to educate and persuade her audience. In one of the many examples of this tool, Campbell quotes Brigham Young in the hopes of convincing readers of the foreordination of the Fall: “The Lord knew that they [Adam and Eve] would do this, and had designed that they should.” Most of the LDS faith are more likely to believe and less likely to challenge the words of the Lord’s apostles and prophets, whether in simple explanations or profound declarations. Along with these quotes, Campbell cites scriptural references to put facts into context or to further back her claims. She also cites professors and colleagues who assisted in the Hebrew translations and other insights. Some may claim that Campbell relies too heavily on the statements of others and not enough on her own opinions; however, the author’s many citations provide informed insights from a number of different sources, and only add credibility to the information she is presenting and the point she is trying to prove. The quotes chosen for the article are clear and relevant, and the reputations of their orators add weight to the article’s message.

After dozens of quotes, a multitude of supporting arguments, and 15 basic points explained, Beverly Campbell did all in her power to elevate Eve’s position in the minds of her readers. Even more noteworthy is the renewed confidence and self-worth she endeavored to instill in every LDS woman. By appealing to the senses of logos, pathos, and ethos, Campbell reminded the world that because of Mother Eve’s divine decision, we are here today and are able to take part in God’s great plan.