A Time to Tell: Narrative Strategies in Ecclesiastes (Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement S.) - Hardcover

Christianson, Eric S.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1850759820 ISBN 13: 9781850759829

Publisher: Sheffield Academic Press, 1998

Synopsis

Using a variety of approaches from art criticism to structuralist analysis, this book draws out largely neglected narrative elements of Qoheleth's text, including the strategies of framing, autobiography and the 'use' of Solomon. In locating the self as the central concern of this narrative, Christianson shows that although Qoheleth passionately observes the world's transience, he desires that his own image be fixed and remembered. His story is thereby concerned with identity and the formation of character. In the guise of Solomon that concern is almost satirical and somewhat playful. Through the strategy of the frame narrative the complex relations of all such elements are brought into question, particularly the reader's relation to the framed material, as well as the relation of the framer to the one framed.

About this title

From the Author

Precis of the contents and what two reviewers have said:
Using a variety of methodological approaches from art criticism to Todorov's actantial model, this book sketches a comprehensive picture of some hitherto largely neglected narrative elements of Qoheleth's text. Among them are the strategies of autobiography, framing and the use of Solomon. In the autobiographical establishment of his self as the central concern of his narrative, Qoheleth shows that, although he passionately observes the world's transience and absurdity, he desires that his own image be fixed and remembered. Qoheleth's story is thereby concerned with identity and the formation of character. In the guise of Solomon that concern is almost satirical and somewhat playful. Finally, the strategy of framing occurs on many levels, and one of its consequences is the bringing into question of the reader's relation to the framed material, as well as the relation of the framer to the one framed. Drawing on literary and artistic models of the frame, the interpretive possibilities arising from the tension in these narratorial relationships are explored in detail. 'This is an innovative, lucid, and perceptive study of a neglected (but important) literary feature of the book of Qohelet: its strategy and power as story.' Michael V. Fox, Weinstein-Bascom Professor in Jewish Studies, University of Wisconsin. 'By uncovering the narrative dimensions of the book, Christianson offers a bold new reading of Ecclesiastes and a robust treatment of the troubled sage who is redeemed by absurdity. Building on the insights of previous scholars and in conversation with the contemporary arts, Christianson has charted a new course of research on the Bible's strangest book.' William P. Brown, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Union Theological Seminary, Virginia Dr Eric Christianson is Lecturer in Biblical Studies at University College Chester, England.

About the Author

Eric S. Christianson is Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies at the University of Chester. He is author of "A Time to Tell: Narrative Strategies in Ecclesiastes" (1988) and co-editor of "Cinema Divinite: Religion, Theology and the Bible in Film" (2005). He is co-founder of the Centre for the Study of Religion and Popular Culture at the University of Chester and maintains the website for the Blackwell Bible Commentary Series (http: //bbibcomm.net).

Edition details

• Publisher: Sheffield Academic Press
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1850759820
• ISBN 13: 9781850759829
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 275