1/30 Class Flashcards
What are the key literary structures and forms in narrative?
Plot, characterization and character development, setting, repetition, irony
What literary features are significant in poetry?
Imagery, metaphor, simile, parallelism, repetition
What elements are important in prose discourse?
Thesis, argument, repetition
What unresolved question is noted at the end of the book Jonah?
The book ends with an unresolved question
What does Tarshish symbolize in the book Jonah?
Away from God’s presence
What is the significance of Jonah’s descent when fleeing from God?
Jonah constantly is ‘descending’ – all the way to Sheol
How does geography and climate reflect Jonah’s disposition?
Jonah receives his commission on ‘dry land’ and obeys God in hospitable environments; he flees to turbulent sea and ends in inhospitable desert
Who are the only named characters in the book Jonah?
God and Jonah
How does Jonah’s behavior contrast with expectations of a prophet?
He doesn’t act like a prophet should
What tension exists between God’s justice and mercy in Jonah?
Tension between divine justice (Jonah’s expectation) and divine mercy (God’s preference)
What rhetorical device is used when the sailors fear Yhwh?
Narrative repetition: ‘The sailors feared with great fear Yhwh, and they sacrificed sacrifices to Yhwh, and they vowed vows.’
What is an example of parallelism in the poetry of Jonah?
I called to the LORD out of my distress, and he answered me; Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice (2:2)
What imagery is presented in Jonah’s experience?
Weeds were wrapped around my head (2:5)
What is a key piece of advice for answering questions of origin and literature?
Think story, not lecture
What should one avoid assuming about the narrator in literary analysis?
Don’t assume the narrator is endorsing everything a character does or says
What should readers aim to do when engaging with the story?
Experience emotions and imagine actions of the characters
What resources can be used for understanding difficult words or customs?
A Study Bible, Bible Dictionary, or commentary after reading
