The Bible and the Comic Vision - Softcover

Whedbee, J. William

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0800634861 ISBN 13: 9780800634865

Publisher: Fortress Press, 2002

Synopsis

This insightful work examines the variety of ways comedy is employed in the Old Testament. Biblical comedy unveils "a comic vision that oscillates between attack and affirmation, corrective and celebration, ridicule and revel." Here Whedbee reveals the subtle uses of parody and satire to subversive effect in six biblical books. But "the Bible characteristically does not stop with subversion, for the texts usually drive on toward an affirmation of life and a celebration of the wonder and hopefulness of creation.... In sum, subversion and celebration typically belong together in a comprehensive view of biblical comedy: subversion often serving to undercut and clear away obstacles to the realization of fertility and forgiveness; and celebration finding expression in festivals of freedom and hope."

About this title

Book Description:

Apart from the occasional recognition of comic forms or motifs in biblical dress, the vast majority of interpreters have usually discounted or even disdained the possibility of the Bible having any significant place for the comic vision. This book attempts to make amends for this short-sighted, prejudicial perspective.

About the Author:

J. William Whedbee is the Nancy M. Lyon Professor of Biblical Literature and History at Pomona College (Claremont, California). He is also the author of Isaiah and Wisdom.

About this edition

• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0800634861
• ISBN 13: 9780800634865
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 328