Joselyn's Analysis of "Mother Eve"

Joselyn Robertson
Dr. Kerry Spencer
Writing 150, section100
“Mother Eve”
Because of an Apple: A Critical Analysis

In Mother Eve, Mentor for Today’s Woman: A Heritage of Honor, Beverly Campbell presents 15 points establishing the role of Eve and conditions of the Fall. She successfully convinces a religiously educated LDS audience that the Fall is an essential step to salvation Eve correctly played her role in that step. Campbell illustrates this by effectively appealing to ethos and utilizing the science of word origin.

Doctrinal complexity concerning the Fall is cleared up with statements from scriptural authorities that appeal to ethos. One example is respected scriptorian Bruce R. McConkie’s explanation of the Fall, in which he pedestals the Fall with the Creation and the Atonement, illustrating that removing any one of these fundamental pillars destroys the worth of our existence. Later, when justifying the Fall, Elder McConkie declares, “They [Adam and Eve] must fall. They must become mortal. Death must enter the world. There is no other way” (275). His argument – the Fall is necessary for existence and salvation of mankind - becomes more powerful because of his standing as an LDS general authority and scripture scholar. While Campbell could outline the doctrine about the vitality of the Fall on her own, her use of authoritative quotes gives a stronger and more convincing backbone. LDS audiences are more likely to listen to a general authority an average church member. Campbell knows this and successfully incorporates appeals to ethos.

Furthering her use of appeals to ethos, Campbell also cites modern day prophets. For example, in the subsection concerning Eve’s role, Campbell uses a statement made by late President of the church Ezra Taft Benson. He declares, “In the beginning, God placed a woman in a companion role with the priesthood… she was to act in partnership with him” (274). He said this in the year after the church issued Official Declaration – 2, a time when women wondered if they were being discriminated against for not getting the priesthood; Campbell uses President Benson’s message to convince that Eve is a partner, an equal, with Adam. She deserves honor rather than a reputation as an evil influence. The general authorities’ messages are specifically effective for an educated LDS audience because prophetic messages are seen as direct revelation from God. Trusting in their priesthood authority, the members know that yes, Eve had an important role in the Plan of Salvation, just as any noble daughter of God is important in her role.

In addition to appeals to ethos, Campbell examines word origin to point out differences in meaning from Biblical times. One instance of tracing back word origin is when Campbell incorporates studies of Biblical language. Hebrew scholar Dr. Aschkenasy contrasts meanings of the phrase “help meet” at different times throughout the Bible. First, in Genesis, Eve is referred to as “help meet”. Modern connotation implies she was an aide, subordinate, to Adam. At that time in the scriptures, “help meet” carries different connotations: “to be strong,” “to save,” and “equal.” Campbell then inserts these historically correct connotations into the scripture, revealing textual alterations that have resulted from multiple translations: “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a majestic, saving power, equal with him, to be his companion” (274, emphasis added). In this context, the audience sees that Eve’s role in higher and more positive terms. Studies of original Hebrew root words enlighten the audience concerning the thematic emphasis on gender equality.

Campbell examines the origins of certain language again when informing readers that the name “Eve” literally means “mother of all living” (277). Heavenly Father personally bestowed this name and its meaning upon her – a pointed reminder of her divine mission and one way Heavenly Father prepared and guided Eve. Perhaps this was helpful to Eve as she carried out her mission, similar to patriarchal blessings that provide personal direction for members of the church. Word examination is a fresh perspective, one not typically discussed over the pulpit, and intrigues the otherwise religiously educated LDS audience. With the audience paying attention they are more likely to learn the point Campbell is making: Eve’s role was preordained and is necessary to the salvation of mankind.

Another examination of etymology is when Campbell points out the divergent root forms of “command” at different times in the Bible. At the time when Adam and Eve are commanded not to partake of the fruit, the verb “command” is not that same as the verb “command” used in the Ten Commandments. In Genesis “command” indicates a strong but temporary warning. On the other hand, the Ten Commandments are divine law intended for us to obey (276). Previously unaware readers most likely associated “command” with the version used in the Ten Commandments but are now informed on the application in the story of the Fall. This keen examination of etymology gives leniency to Eve’s decision to eat the fruit and portrays her in a better light.

There are logical ways to understand the Fall. There are two ways to think about the Fall, logically with your head and spiritually with your heart. Campbell convinces her LDS audience using both realms of intelligence. She does with rhetorically effective artistic appeals to ethos and descriptions of word origin and connotation. The work serves as a guide to dedicated to an LDS audience effectively serves as a guide to the Fall and shows that the Fall is a necessary par of the Plan of Salvation and that Eve played a righteous and essential role in it


Works cited
Campbell, Beverly. “Mother Eve, Mentor for Today’s Woman: A Heritage of Honor.” Readings for Intensive Writers. 5th ed. Comp. Susan Jorgensen. Provo: BYU Academic Publishing, 2007. 217-289. Print.