The Serpent’s Call: A Pursuit of the Exiled Voice of Transgressive Invitation

Abstract

This dissertation calls for a reassessment of the serpent’s role in the Garden of Eden story, proposing that traditional interpretations emphasizing seduction and disobedience overlook the serpent’s potential as an agent of creation and a catalyst for the birth of consciousness. The fundamental tension between the chaos introduced by the serpent and the order maintained by God highlights the complex dynamics of boundaries and transgressions, framing the serpent’s actions as a deliberate challenge to the static order.

Central to this analysis is the exploration of the mythological motifs of command, anti-command, and action. This study suggests that the act of forbidding is not a mere restriction. Rather it is an invitation beckoning the human spirit towards individuation. By invoking the principle of Ananke, the forbidden is reframed not as a prohibition, but as an existential challenge—a trigger for humanity’s quest for enlightenment.

Furthermore, this work parallels the heroic journeys of Persephone and Psyche with Eve’s encounter in the Garden, seeking to complete the fragmented narrative of Eve. By examining these figures, this dissertation uncovers patterns of defiance and enlightenment that resonate with Eve’s experience, fostering a deeper connection with her story. Employing a hermeneutic approach, this study considers the various myths to deepen our grasp of one through the lens of the other.