How It Says: Genesis 34 (Pentateuch Unit)
In this Unit, we are working again with narrative. Think: plot, character, narration, point of view, etc. As always, we begin with “How It Says”: that is, we examine “the world in the text” (the story-world constructed in the text itself, without regard to historicity or possibilities for interpretation).
Preparation:
Read Genesis 34 (only chapter 34), using your Study Bible translation (CEB or NRSV).
Pay attention to story elements: who are the characters? what are they like, and how do we know? what happens? what is the narrative voice like? Take notes!
Read Genesis 34 a second time, in the same translation. Continue to pay attention to story elements. Take notes!
Change translations. Read Genesis 34 a third time, in your chosen alternative translation. How do the differences raise questions about the characters, or the plot, or the narrative voice, or anything else? Take notes!
Read a fourth time in your first translation.
Writing This Post (about 500 words total).
Consider the themes and threads that hold the story together. With that in mind, and finding your answers only in Genesis 34, address the following questions in a post:
Who/what are the characters in this chapter? What is revealed about their character in their speech and actions?
What is the plot of chapter? What is its structure: its episodes or movements?
What can you say, if anything, about the “voice” who tells the story?
What is the background/environment? Is it vague, or vivid? Does it have “character”?
What about time? Does the action seem to speed up or slow down at points? How or how not?
Are their elements in the narrative that seem to function as symbols or metaphors?
What kinds of things does this text seem to say or suggest about the identity of Israel? About God?
Any surprises for you? What are they?
