Perhaps the greatest overarching theme between Genesis 3 and the story of Noah is the acceptance of mortality. Because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, mortality has become synonymous with the human condition. Noah is the first man born after the death of Adam, and thus the first man born into a world where death is already present. For Noah, death is an accepted and inescapable reality. Noah does not attempt to escape his mortal fate by waging wars in pursuit of glory, unlike the rest of creation who seek immortality by living on in infamy through heroism. Additionally, Kass’ point that “appreciation for beauty is one thing, the desire to possess it is another” reminded me of Eve’s appreciation of the beauty of the tree of knowledge. This alone is not a sin since the tree itself is not bad, rather, the sin occurs in her act of disobedience, when Eve tries to take what only God can give. This parallels the temptation that the sons of God fail to resist by forcibly taking the daughters of man. Noah regains God’s trust in humanity that was lost with Adam and Eve. In contrast to them, Noah follows God’s commands exactly, which establishes the ultimate virtue of obedience to the Lord. The story of Noah is also another response to the Mesopotamian stories of the time. The story of Noah and the creation stories all establish God as the one true god, as opposed to the conventional belief in polytheism in the region. Additionally, both show that the God of the Israelites is not rash nor unnecessarily cruel, but instead intentional and benevolent. God does not cast out Adam and Eve for nor reason, nor does He cast the flood for no reason, rather His actions are both in an attempt to restore the communion between God and humanity.
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Julia Dubuque 
I enjoyed reading your analysis on the topic. I think that the last part, specifically, helps show how the character of God is presented (implicitly, here) as one that is, if we can use human adjectives, rational, understanding and benevolent. The flood and the punishments were not acts of a vengeful God, but instead, a God that holds love for creations, as seen by his attempts at restoring communion. I had noticed a lot of the similar links you did; however, your comment on the acceptance of mortality made me think of how that has become translated into our daily lives and if a communion with God may still be maintained even without the threat of death.
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I think your elaboration on Kass’ statement that “appreciation for beauty is one thing, the desire to possess it is another” was very insightful in terms of relating it back to Eve. The act of disobedience occurs when she physically goes through to take and eat from the tree. Would the temptation of the sons of God wanting to take the daughters of men be a sin or would the physical act of them doing it coincide with that disobedience and sin? I also elaborated on how Noah is looked upon favorably in the eyes of good because of his obedience.
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I think your elaboration on Kass’ statement that “appreciation for beauty is one thing, the desire to possess it is another” was very clear in terms of relating it back to Eve. The act of disobedience occurs when she physically goes through to take and eat from the tree. Would the temptation of the sons of God wanting to take the daughters of men be a sin or would the physical act of them doing it coincide with that disobedience and sin? I also elaborated on how Noah is looked upon favorably in the eyes of good because of his obedience.
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