Essay Questions

Explain this statement, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive in her womb and shall bear a son, and his name will be called Emmanuel" from the book of Isaiah chapter seven verse fourteen as quoted by the narrator.

The narrator references this quote from the bible to offer stage and character directions in the play. The statement sets the stage by notifying the Israelites that the promise made to them by the holy prophets is about to be fulfilled. However, it is ironic that the people will not acknowledge the newborn as a savior because he will look likes a normal child. Their expectation is to see the image of God in the child to acknowledge him as their savior.

According to the “The Play of Adam” are human beings stubborn because of fear?

Throughout the play, human beings are stubborn and they are not ready to accept the message of the prophets at once. The prophets are trying their best to convince the people of Israel that God has good intentions for them but they are dismissive. According to the prophets, God has a message for the people of Israel and it means good for all. However, the people of Israel believe that the prophets mean bad for them. They have decided to ignore the prophets’ messages and proceed with their daily routines. The Israelites fear that if they follow what the prophets' are saying, they will lose their lifestyles. Therefore, the Israelites are stubborn and want to maintain their status quo.

Why do you think Adam was not courageous enough to ignore his wife’s plea to taste the hidden fruit?

The primary reason why Adams decides to accept his wife’s request to taste the forbidden fruit is curiosity. The serpent is very intelligent and it convinces Eve that if she tastes the fruit, she will think like God and discover what He is hiding from them. Adam is also tempted out of inquisitiveness to taste the fruit offered to him by his wife. Since the serpent learns very fast the weaknesses of Adam and Eve, Adam has no courage to refuse the offer. Instantly after eating the forbidden fruit, they discover that they are naked. They try to cover themselves with leaves to hide their nakedness and shame from God. God is angry and expels them from the Garden of Eden. They become farmers and start raising their family.