Narrative Obtrusion in the Hebrew Bible

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When the narrator intervenes— Narrative critics of the Hebrew Bible often describe the biblical narrators as “laconic,” “terse,” or “economical.” The narrators generally remain in the background, allowing the story to proceed while relying on characters and dialogue to provide necessary information to readers. On those occasions when these narrators add notes to their stories, scholars may characterize such interruptions as “asides” or redactions. Christopher T. Paris calls attention to just these narrative interruptions, in which the storyteller “breaks frame” to provide information about a character or even in order to direct reader understanding and, Paris argues, to prevent undesirable construals or interpretations of the story. After surveying the phenomenon in the Hebrew Bible and other ancient Near Eastern literature, Paris focuses on the Deuteronomistic History. Paris argues that attention to narrative obtrusion offers an entry point into the world of the narrator and redefines aspects of narrative criticism. Praise for Narrative Obtrusion in the Hebrew Bible “The author’s carefully argued thesis advances a theoretical construct that will be welcomed by interested readers of the Hebrew Bible. This new book provides a review of a past scholarship on the voice of the narrator and a notable advance as well. Using aptly chosen examples from the Former Prophets and ancient Near Eastern sources, Christopher Paris explains why obtrusions are important in the interpretation of biblical narrative.” Keith Bodner | Crandall University “This engaging book really does advance our understanding of the workings of biblical narrative by exploring the art of the narrator. Paris writes with clarity, lays out his theoretical argument cogently, and offers us a wealth of examples. And as a bonus, he applies his insights comparatively to other narratives from the ancient world. A very fine study.” David M. Gunn | Texas Christian University Christopher T. Paris received his Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from Vanderbilt University. He is a lecturer in biblical studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School. His chief areas of interest are narrative criticism, especially of the Deuteronomistic History, and ancient Near Eastern literature. This volume is based on a dissertation completed at Vanderbilt University under the direction of Jack Sasson. Religion / Old Testament Paris Narrative Obtrusion in the Hebrew Bible e m e r g i n g s c h o l a r s Narrative Obtrusion in the Hebrew Bible Christopher T. Paris ...