Configuring Nicodemus: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Complex Characterization

by Michael R. Whitenton, Chris Keith (Editor)

Overview

Michael Whitenton offers a fresh perspective on the characterization of Nicodemus, focusing on the benefit of Hellenistic rhetoric and the cognitive sciences for understanding audience construals of characters in ancient narratives.

Whitenton builds an interdisciplinary approach to ancient characters, utilizing cognitive science, Greek stock characters, ancient rhetoric, and modern literary theory. He then turbans his attention to the characterization of Nicodemus, where he argues that Nicodemus would likely be understood initially as a dissembling character, only to depart from that characterization later in the narrative, suggesting a jourbaney toward Johannine faith. Whitenton presents a compelling argument: many in an ancient audience would construe Nicodemus in ways that suggest his development from doubt and suspicion to commitment and devotion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567665300
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/24/2019
Series:	The Library of New Testament Studies , #549
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Michael Whitenton is Lecturer in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core at Baylor University, USA.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
List of Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Characterization, Cognition, and Ancient Listeners
3. Relevant Prototypical Characters
4. Configuring Nicodemus in John 3.1-21
5. Stability and Development in Nicodemus's Character in John 7 and 19
6. Rhetorical Function(s) of Nicodemus
7. Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
Index of Ancient Sources