Untamable Texts Literary Studies and Narrative Theory in the Books of Samuel [Hardcover]

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 an 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 by 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.

Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
I.?? ?Introduction
Chapter 1
POETICS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1???? A Literary Study of the Biblical Narratives
??? 1.1.1. A Literary and Synchronic Approach
??? 1.1.2. Biblical Literary Criticism and the Historical Method
??? 1.1.3. A Literary Approach and the Character of the Biblical Narratives
??? 1.1.4. Poetics and Interpretation
??? 1.1.5. Spcific and General Poetics

1.2??? A Close Reading of Three Interpretations

??? 1.2.1. The Story about Hannah

??? 1.2.2. Robert Polzin's Method

??????? 1.2.2.1. Polzin's Method

??????? 1.2.2.2. A Narrative about the Birth of Kingship

??????? 1.2.2.3. Polzin's Reading: A Non-literary Suggestion

??? 1.2.3. Walter Brueggemann's Interpretation of 2 Samuel 21

??????? 1.2.3.1. 2 Samuel 21: An Ironic Text

??????? 1.2.3.2. Brueggemann's l³$