Description
Book SynopsisThis classic work on literary criticism by Professor Adele Berlin introduces the reader to the colorful world of poetics (literary conventions) used in the construction of biblical narratives. Her book is divided into 6 parts: Poetics and Interpretation, Character and Characterization, Point of View, Poetics in the Book of Ruth, Poetic Interpretation and Historical-Critical Methods, and The Art of Biblical Narrative.
Table of ContentsPREFACE
I. POETICS AND INTERPRETATION
II. CHARACTER AND CHARACTERIZATION
Character Types
Michal
Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11
Bathsheba and Abishag in 1 Kings 1-2
Abigail
Summary of Character Types
David and His Women
Characterization
Description
Inner Life
Speech and Actions
Contrast
Combining Characterization Techniques
III. POINT OF VIEW
Narrative with Multiple Points of View
The Poetics of Point of View
The Narrator’s Voice
Characters’ Point of View
1. Naming
2. Inner Life
3. The Term hinneh
4. Circumstantial Clauses
5. Direct Disourse and Narration
6. Alternative Expressions
Combining Points of View
IV. POETICS IN THE BOOK OF RUTH
Characters
Types of Characters
Naming
The Uses of the Word hinneh
Quoting Previously Unreported Speech
The Narrator’s Presence
Narrative Structure
1. The Abstract
2. Orientation
3. Complicating Action
4. Evaluation
5. Result or Resolution
6. Coda
V. POETIC INTERPRETATION AND HISTORICAL-CRITICAL METHODS
Source Criticism
Form Criticism
The Gilgamesh Epic
VI. THE ART OF BIBLICAL NARRATIVE
ABBREVIATIONS
NOTES
Notes to Chapter I
Notes to Chapter II
Notes to Chapter III
Notes to Chapter IV
Notes to Chapter V
Notes to Chapter VI
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEXES
Index of Biblical Passages
Index of Authors
Index of Subjects
