Untamable Texts: Literary Studies and Narrative Theory in the Books of Samuel

Description

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.

Greger Andersson is Assistant Professor and Lecturer in Comparative Literature at OErebro University in Sweden and Assistant Professor of Old Testament at OErebro Theological Seminary.

"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.