Narration and Discourse in the Book of Genesis [Paperback]

This book makes an important contribution to our understanding of the Book of Genesis.This book makes an important contribution to our understanding of the Book of Genesis. Professor White shows that the traditions embodied in the narrative are essentially linguistic; and by using narratological theory he shows how each stage in the growth of the biblical tradition is in fact an interpretation of some body of prior tradition.This book makes an important contribution to our understanding of the Book of Genesis. Professor White shows that the traditions embodied in the narrative are essentially linguistic; and by using narratological theory he shows how each stage in the growth of the biblical tradition is in fact an interpretation of some body of prior tradition.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.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 l#-