The thesis focuses upon rhetorical criticism as it is employed in a new area of research namely John 7. Three particular rhetorical devices are identified in this chapter: the concept of agency, the Qat wahomer argument and quotations. The trial motif was identified as the rhetorical framework under which they can be explored. Chapter one involves a general presentation of rhetorical criticism, its beginnings and some of its main characteristics. This is followed by four sections: first, the distinction between rhetoric as style and rhetoric as persuasion; the second explores the legitimacy of the study of the rhetorical devices; the trial motif as the general rhetorical framework; and finally the importance of the rhetorical situation. The thesis explains that all three devices mentioned were used in different contexts of the Mediterranean area with the most important being the Old Testament, Graeco-Rornan and rabbinic literature. Chapter two considers different rhetorical approaches to the Fourth Gospel. For this, some representative studies were selected that use rhetorical categories for their evaluation of different parts of the gospel. Chapter three is the actual evaluation of the three devices, following a general presentation of John 7. its structure and forensic nature. Each rhetorical device is analyzed in the three contexts proposed to identify possible parallels between their use in these contexts and the Fourth Gospel. Next, each device is explored in the context of trial where their rhetorical impact is evaluated. it is maintained that the devices are considered powerful enough, to persuade the readers of the gospel about the invalidity of the charges brought against Jesus, and to confirm for them his identity and the fulfilment of Scripture in him. it is proposed that together with the literary elements, the rhetorical devices can lead to a better understanding of the rhetorical strategy used.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:579781 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Sabou, Marius |
| Publisher | Queen's University Belfast |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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