Archetypes and the Fourth Gospel: Literature and Theology in Conversation
Overview
Employing Northrop Frye’s system of archetypal literary criticism—the use of romance, tragedy, irony and satire, and comedy—Brian Larsen offers a compelling summary of the essential governing framework and means of exchange between literature and theology. Characters in the Fourth Gospel are examined through a specific archetype, and, reciprocally, these characters illuminate and inform important theological aspects of their respective archetypes: Jesus and romance (hero story); Pilate and tragedy; the Jews and Thomas and irony; and Peter and comedy.
This volume further clarifies the understanding of Frye’s archetypesand identifies the key variable between each one: the relationship between (1) a belief or ideal and (2) experience or reality. Helping to advance dialogue between literature, biblical studies and theology, and providing insightful readings for a number of Fourth Gospel characters and texts, Larsen's examination will appeal to those seeking a new perspective on the themes of the New Testament or those seeking theological insights into literature.
Key Features
- Summarizes the framework and means of exchange between literature and theology
- Examines the theological aspects of archetypes in gospel characters
- Explores themes including tragedy, irony, and comedy
Contents
- The Fourth Gospel, Jesus and Romance
- Tragedy and Pilate
- Irony, Thomas and the Jews
- Comedy and Peter
- Conclusion
Praise for the Print Edition
[Larsen] successfully integrates a wide range of sources and ideas to enhance reading of the Gospel of John, and the recognition of various characters according to type. Larsen’s interdisciplinary approach proves that profound insight is found in the overlap between specializations.
—Reading Religion
The archetypal approach to literature is a necessary lens for anyone who reads and interprets literary texts, including ones in the Bible. As someone who never abandoned the archteypal approach to literary analysis, my heart leaped when I became aware of Brian Larsen's application of that approach to the Gospel of John.
—Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Product Details
- Title: Archetypes and the Fourth Gospel: Literature and Theology in Conversation
- Author: Brian Larsen
- Series: T&T Clark Biblical Studies
- Publisher: T&T Clark
- Publication Date: 2018
- Pages: 232
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Topic: Gospel of John