“Spermism” is the pre-Christian doctrine that fathers contribute the essential characteristics of their offspring while mothers contribute only a material substrate. Aristotle accepted and elaborated this idea, and his influence was prevalent well into the 17th century. Only then “Ovism” became influential, the theory that the offspring of an individual was preformed as tiny homunculus within every egg (created by God when he created man on Creation Day 6).The theory that both egg and sperm could be equally important did not find many supporters because people thought that human essence was undivisible. So, until the 19th century it was very much “Spermism” vs. “Ovism”, male vs. female influence.
And here is little Linus, proudly presenting a very male and patriarchal history. He’s wearing a jacket and even a tie. He wants to be seen as a man and he proudly presents a long male tradition. We know that he is usually dominated by his sister who criticises his long quotation of male ancestors. The struggle between male and female influences.
But the funny thing is that the virgin birth of Jesus transcends this male/female struggle. I can imagine that Charles Schulz actually had this in mind, making fun of Linus’ male pride.
You’ve never liked any of my comments, Lucy, have you?