Narration and Discourse in the Book of Genesis

by Hugh C. White

Overview

This book is a fine example of what can be contributed to theological understanding through a study of narrative. The author contends that the presence of a disembodied Voice in the Book of Genesis has a profound effect upon the style of narration and the way in which the plots of various sub-narratives develop. His approach is distinctive in his use of semiotic theory to show how the style and plots of specific narratives lead to new perceptions and understandings of the mysterious discourse of the divine Voice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521050265
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/14/2008
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Part I. A Functional Theory of Narrative: 1. Toward a functional theory of narrative; 2. The functions of the sign; 3. A functional definition of narrative; 4. A typology of narrative functions and modes; 5. The three functional narrative types; Part II. The Structure of the Genesis Narrative: 6. The divine Voice and the narrative functions; 7. The micro-dialogue as the matrix of the Genesis narrative; Part III. Analysis of Genesis Narratives: 8. 'Who told you that you were naked?'; 9. 'Where is your brother?'; Excursus on sacrifice in religion and literature; 10. The central micro-dialogue; 11. 'Why did you say, 'She is my sister'?'; 12. 'Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?'; 13. 'Who then is he who was hunting game … before you came?'; 14. 'Where do you come from?'; Notes; Bibliography; Index - authors and topics; Index - Biblical references.

Editorial Reviews

"White's readings are decidedly original without displacing entirely the insights gained from more widely practiced methods of literary or historically oriented study. White joins the relatively few biblical scholars who have successfully integrated sophisticated and mature philosophical reflection with careful literary reading. By the shear forces of this work, he challebges on the one hand those professional readers who impatiently decry any need of tough-minded theory, and on the other hand, those who malign the theorists as unskilled, or uninterested, in serious reading. It is a stunning acheivement." Journal of the American Academy of Religion

From the Publisher