Lilith: The personification of humanity's fears
by Lewis, Rosa Marie, M.A.L.S., GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, 2011, 86 pages; 1502317

Abstract:

Lilith is a complex puzzle that has baffled mankind for more than 4,000 years. Humanity's thoughts about her purpose and inception have swung on the pendulum of good and evil, pausing at every interval in between the two extremes. She is the two controversial sides of the same persona - good and evil, truth and lies, ignorance and knowledge, pride and prejudice.

Originally, educated male theologians introduced Lilith into society as a tool to manipulate the socio-political order between man and woman; a figment of man's imagination to suppress woman for man's personal, social, economic and political domination. Man believed he could control Lilith's social path, what humanity thought about Lilith and how the creation would directly affect humanity's life. But he could not. She grew, matured and adopted variations of and deviations from her original purpose. Despite being a fantasy, Lilith became an influential manifestation in the lives of each individual whether the person knows her by name, reputation or as an unknown entity. Lilith became humanity's fears, ignorance and prejudice.

Lilith has grown to be more powerful in the lives of everyday human beings than the ancient male theologians could ever imagine. She became uncontrollable. Not only did she seep into humanity's religious beliefs, cultures and traditions, but her persona trickled over into the world's music, art and literature. She hides in humanity's superstitions, fairy tales and innocent baby songs. She is the patron goddess of prostitutes and the patroness of female liberation.

Lilith is a choice, an excuse and a lifestyle. Lilith is what humanity needs at the time they need it. She is a goddess or a demon; a childbirth aid or a baby killer; an oppressor or a liberator. Lilith is whatever an individual desires because Lilith is part of that individual. She lives in every mind, body and soul. Humanity allows Lilith to exist in life experiences, joys, trials and tribulations. .

 
AdviserTheresa M. Sanders
SchoolGEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
SourceMAI/ 50-03, p. , Dec 2011
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsComparative literature
Publication Number1502317
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