She says,With thy permission? the willinger I go.? (278-382). She would not leave without his permission, and when she finally receives it she rejoices in it. The role of a good wife is to listen and obey her husband; to do what he says is right. After all, according to Milton, women are inferior are more succumb to temptation.
Many people in Milton's time felt that women were more dangerous and less equal than men. This sentiment is mirrored in Book IX. However it is not only the male characters in Paradise Lost that convey this view, but Eve herself. When trying to persuade Adam to let her leave she tells him not too worry for she does not,much expect a foe so proud will first the weaker seek.? (382-383). Satan would not go after her if he were as proud a foe as they have heard. Instead he would first go for Adam, the man, the superior human, since he views himself so highly. Satan as well expresses a slightly similar view. He is worried about Adam,Whose higher intellectual more I shun? foe not informidable.? (483-486). Yet Eve is,? divinely fair? Not terrible, though terror be in love and beauty?? (489-491). Satan agrees with Eve that Adam is the greater of the humans, yet instead he is afraid he could not persuade Adam, but Eve is only strong in beauty and not as strong intellectually. He could persuade Eve easier then he could hope with Adam. Not only is she easier to tempt through her weaker state and lack of intellect, but also because her body rules her. Milton, the narrator, states that as she stood trying to argue through the serpent's line of thought,the hour of noon drew on, and waked an eager appetite.? (739-740). Milton illustrates the concept that women are controlled through their bodies. Eve's hunger made her more susceptible to temptation. Women are intellectually and willfully weaker than men, ruled not by their minds but feelings. Thus since Eve is not capable of reasoning or fighting the serpent and her feelings she is on the brink of Falling.
