Language:
English
Year of publication:
2023
Titel der Quelle:
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
Angaben zur Quelle:
47,3 (2023) 343-356
Keywords:
Jonathan
;
David,
;
Bible. Criticism, Narrative
;
Love Biblical teaching
;
Characters and characteristics in the Bible
Abstract:
The narratological instrument of internal focalization offers a hitherto unexplored perspective on the narratives in 1 Samuel, in general, and on the Jonathan narratives, in particular. Internal focalization means that, in the narrative, the viewpoint of a character in the story is chosen, though not necessarily that of the main character. It appears that in contrast to most of the Old Testament (OT) prose, the book of 1 Samuel is abundant in the varying use of internal focalization. Applied to the David-Jonathan narratives, it is Jonathan who is the internal focalizer. This means we read about Jonathan’s thoughts, emotions, and perceptions instead of David’s. David, however, acts as focalized object, which means the focus of attention of the internal focalizer (Jonathan) is on David. This new perspective on the David-Jonathan narratives leads to fresh insights into the issue of the seemingly one-sided love of Jonathan for David. This may very well be explained by the fact that Jonathan is the internal focalizer. Hence, we read about his feelings for David. It does not necessarily mean that David has no similar feelings for Jonathan, but the narrator simply does not highlight these.
DOI:
10.1177/03090892221149045
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
Permalink
