Narrative Structure in II Kings 5

Abstract

<p>The thesis is primarily a consideration of the narrative contained in II Kings 5. The problem which the thesis addresses is the understanding and interpretation of that narrative in light of a theory of literary analysis. What was desired was an analysis of the internal structure of the narrative and a means for relating that structure to the meaning of the narrative.</p> <p>The first chapter presents the major concepts of Tzvetan Todorov's theory of Iiterary structure and provides some background to his method of analysis. Here we show that there are some basic structures, in the description of narrative and that these can be found in any piece of narrative. There is also a sample application of Todorov's method to the narrative of Genesis 22.</p> <p>The second chapter presents a translation of II Kings 5 with notes on the text. Here we present the translation which forms the basis of the analysis in the third chapter.</p> <p>The third chapter represents the body of the thesis, encompassing the actual analysis of II Kings 5. The analysis reveals that there are reciprocal structures of affliction/cure and submission/insubordination which provide the basis for the presentation of the character of the prophet Elisha. We conclude that the issue of leprosy and its cure serves only to focus the reader's attention upon the figure of Elisha, who forms the centre of the narrative and about which the narrative speaks.</p> <p>The thesis argues that the application of literary methods to the biblical text can prove useful in understanding the meaning of the Bible.</p>