Poetics and Interpretation of Biblical Narrative / Edition 1

by Adele Berlin

Overview

This 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781575060026
Publisher:	Penn State University Press
Publication date:	06/30/1994
Series:	Bible & Literature Ser.
Edition description:	REPRINT
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

PREFACE

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