Genesis 4
In reading Genesis 4 and N-Town's story of Cain and Abel, I noticed that both of the authors portrayed the characters as opposites.
In Genesis 4, the author introduces Cain as a farmer and Abel as a shepherdsmern, already drawing difference between their personalities as a cultivator of the land and a caretaker of animals. In addition, in the story of Cain and Abel, the author draws a contrast between their praises of God. Abel wants to see God so that he can remain "clean and pure," whereas Cain wants to see God to learn if he has "goods enough and plenty." This obsession with material wealth and receiving approval from God will ultimately lead to Cain's downfall. In addition, the fact that Cain was shunned down to Earth suggests that we, the present inhabitants of the Earth, share these same selfish and power-hungry characteristics as Cain.
Much like the narrators in Browning's poems, Cain is so obsessed with control and receiving approval that he is driven to murder so that he can fulfill his wishes of having "goods enough and plenty." However, I was surprised to see that Cain so willingly accepted punishment from God instead of trying to validate his actions like the narrators in My Last Duchess and Porphyria's Lover. Perhaps this suggests that Cain is regretful of his actions and hopes to redeem himself down on Earth in his hopes of returning to God's graces.
An interesting thought that came to mind is the significance of their names. Cain could signify the selfish actions that we "can" do to find temporary success and feel in control. However, Abel represents the actions that we could be "able" to do if we ignored our baser instincts and followed the law/principles of God.
In Genesis 4, the author introduces Cain as a farmer and Abel as a shepherdsmern, already drawing difference between their personalities as a cultivator of the land and a caretaker of animals. In addition, in the story of Cain and Abel, the author draws a contrast between their praises of God. Abel wants to see God so that he can remain "clean and pure," whereas Cain wants to see God to learn if he has "goods enough and plenty." This obsession with material wealth and receiving approval from God will ultimately lead to Cain's downfall. In addition, the fact that Cain was shunned down to Earth suggests that we, the present inhabitants of the Earth, share these same selfish and power-hungry characteristics as Cain.
Much like the narrators in Browning's poems, Cain is so obsessed with control and receiving approval that he is driven to murder so that he can fulfill his wishes of having "goods enough and plenty." However, I was surprised to see that Cain so willingly accepted punishment from God instead of trying to validate his actions like the narrators in My Last Duchess and Porphyria's Lover. Perhaps this suggests that Cain is regretful of his actions and hopes to redeem himself down on Earth in his hopes of returning to God's graces.
An interesting thought that came to mind is the significance of their names. Cain could signify the selfish actions that we "can" do to find temporary success and feel in control. However, Abel represents the actions that we could be "able" to do if we ignored our baser instincts and followed the law/principles of God.
I had never noticed before the pun in their names, but I think that is very true. I don't know if Cain is obsessed with control, but I think that he definitely wants approval. Rather, the fact that he got nothing while his brother got God's love is what drives him to this act. I think he made a rash decisions to appease his anger, only to find himself in the wrong. It really blurs the morality of the line, " I am not my brother's keeper."
ReplyDeleteI really like your point about Cain's "obsession with material wealth". Cain's downfall suggests that human nature may not be purely good. Coincidentally, in Genesis 4, Cain's descendant Lamech also admitted having killed a man: "For I have slain a man to the wounding of myself" (23). Maybe the plot is intentionally arranged in order to show that selfishness and jealousy are innate flaws of humans, and only with self discipline and guidance from God may we be better men.
ReplyDeleteAre we definitely similar to Cain? Even though he and at least one of his descendants lost God's respect the rest of humanity is said to have descended from Seth, who is more or less Abel's replacement. I think Cain is supposed represent a lot of humanity (maybe 50% because everyone comes from either him or Seth) but it's possible that we did not inherit Cain's immorality.
ReplyDeleteAs for Cain accepting his punishment, I think that he realizes his place of inferiority compared to God and knows he can't hope to win against him. Cain might have felt empowered after killing Abel, but any pride may have vanished when God displayed his omniscience and immediately knew what happened.
Wow, I've literally never thought about the correlation between their names and I've read this story atleast a dozen times. Great observation! There are really underlying messages everywhere.
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