Narrative in the Hebrew Bible (BA9707S)

Content

This unit examines biblical literary criticism, with particular regard to the narrative texts of the Hebrew Bible. It explores the nature of literary conventions and devices employed by the biblical authors, such as type-scenes, repetition, characterization and the use of dialogue. The unit considers how literary art enhances the message of the texts, using literary analysis of specific narratives from, among others, the Abraham and Joseph narratives, Judges, Ruth, the stories of Saul’s rise and fall, and the story of David’s rise.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

BA8001S Introducing the Hebrew Bible or equivalent

Pedagogy

Engagement with learning materials and discussion in forums utilizing the facilities of ARK

Indicative Bibliography

• Alter, R. The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York, Basic Books, 1981.
• Amit, Y. Reading Biblical Narratives: literary criticism and the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis, Fortress, 2001.
• Andersson, G. Untamable texts: literary studies and narrative theory in the books of Samuel. New York, Continuum, 2009.
• Berlin, A. Poetics & Interpretation of Biblical Narrative. Sheffield, Almond, 1983.
• Brenner, A, & Polak, F (eds). Words, Ideas, Worlds: biblical essays in honour of Yairah Amit. Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix, 2012.
• Exum, J. Plotted, shot and painted: cultural representations of biblical women. Sheffield, Sheffield Academic, 1996.
• Exum, J. & D. J. A. Clines (eds), The New Literary Criticism & the Hebrew Bible. Valley Forge, Trinity Press International, 1993.
• Sternberg, M. The Poetics of Biblical Narrative. Bloomington, Indiana University Press, 1987.
• Trible, P. Texts of Terror. Philadelphia, Fortress, 1984.
• Walsh, J. Old Testament Narrative: a Guide to Interpretation. Louisville, Westminster John Knox, 2009.
• Zeelander, S. Closure in biblical narrative. Leiden, Brill, 2012.

Assessment