Untamable Texts
Literary Studies and Narrative Theory in the Books of Samuel
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Hardback
£150.00
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Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN: 9780567520517
Number of Pages: 304
Published: 02/02/2010
Width: 15.6 cm
Height: 23.4 cm
The prime and 'unique' contribution of this study is the meta-theoretical approach according to which a popular method of analysis and interpretation regarding the books of "Samuel" is discussed and evaluated critically. This is an important and necessary discussion, because interdisciplinary studies must not be reduced to a mere application of individual theoreticians or theoretical concepts on new objects, which are assessed only be their ability to produce 'new' interpretations or solve problems (as those observed by the historical-critical approach). It is also essential for an academic study to discuss the validity of a certain theory or method. Furthermore, it is also important that the theory is discussed and tested in relation to narrative texts. Questions considered include: Do the texts of the Bible have forms that do not comply with the frames interpreters assume? What aims and agendas do literary or narrative methods serve in the hands of biblical interpreters? The main goal of this study is to attempt a better understanding of the biblical texts and their influence and meaning.
Over the last 30 years this pioneering series has established an unrivaled reputation for cutting-edge international scholarship in Biblical Studies and has attracted leading authors and editors in the field. The series takes many original and creative approaches to its subjects, including innovative work from historical and theological perspectives, social-scientific and literary theory, and more recent developments in cultural studies and reception history.
I. Introduction; 2. Narrative theory and narrative criticism; 3. An outline of the present study; II. Different narrative language-games; 1. David and Bathsheba (a close reading of the text); 2. An introduction to the biblical texts under consideration; 3. Three Narratives; 4. Is the Amalekite thrustworthy, an unreliable narrator or a liar?; 5. The Language-games of the extradiegetic narratives; 6. The function of the macro-text; 7. History, ideology, and/or literature.
"Andersson critically examines self-styled literary or narrative readings of the Old Testament historical books, mainly the books of Samuel. He identifies theoretical issues or groups of theoretical problems that emerge in a trialogue between the biblical texts, their interpreters, and theories of literature and narrative assumed to be guiding the readings. The framework for his analysis is a series of suggested interpretations, where he finds the matters under discussion most visible. He covers poetics and interpretation, the sense-governing intent of biblical narrative, storytelling sense and reference, and narrators and perspective as two nodes." -Eithne O'Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc.