Irony in the Matthean Passion Narrative
Irony (as used here) is a rhetorical and literary device for revealing “what is hidden behind what is seen.” It thus offers the reader a superior understanding by means of the distinction between reality and its shadow. The book provides a history of different definitions of irony, from Aristophanes to Booth; discusses the constitutive formal elements of irony and the functions of irony; then studies particular aspects of the Matthean Passion Narrative that require the reader to recognize a deeper truth beneath the surface of the narrative.
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9781451470338
- eBook ISBN 9781451484328
- Pages 192
- Dimensions 6 x 9
- Publication Date May 1, 2014
Contents
Contents:
Preface
1. Irony and the Matthean Passion Narrative
2. General Overview of Irony
3. Conventional Ironies
4. Irony of the Matthean Passion Narrative
5. Theology of the Matthean Passion Narrative
Bibliography
Preface
1. Irony and the Matthean Passion Narrative
2. General Overview of Irony
3. Conventional Ironies
4. Irony of the Matthean Passion Narrative
5. Theology of the Matthean Passion Narrative
Bibliography
Endorsements
"Dr. Berg’s analysis of irony in Matthew's Passion Narrative as it pertains to Jesus' death breaks new ground in the study of the First Gospel. Her careful description of irony in both ancient and modern contexts is valuable in and of itself. The application of that work to Matthew's ancient narrative, however, produces insights for both the implied reader of the Gospel as well as to readers who would appropriate the values and meaning of Matthew’s story of Jesus for today. Berg's work will certainly spur on others to further fruitful study of the First Gospel’s rhetorical power."
—Jeffrey A. Gibbs
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
"Here is an important 'first of its kind' volume for narrative critical studies of the Gospel of Matthew. With this work, Berg provides the first full-length study of irony from a Matthean standpoint and opens the door wide for further scholarly attention to this crucial literary motif within Matthew's Gospel. Berg’s work is solidly grounded in the study of irony within Western literature. And her treatment of Matthew's Passion Narrative highlights in striking fashion the profoundly ironic modus operandi of Matthew’s implied author as he tells the story of God’s salvific purposes enacted through Jesus, Savior of God’s people (1:21)."
—Dorothy Jean Weaver
Eastern Mennonite University
"Berg is a careful scholar and unearths riches for the reader. Thoroughly engaging both literary theory and ancient context, Berg provides repeated fresh insights into the text of Matthew and a deeper understanding of his theology of the cross. Her superb work convincingly highlights the crucial role of irony in Matthew’s Passion Narrative."
—Craig S. Keener
Asbury Theological Seminary
—Jeffrey A. Gibbs
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
"Here is an important 'first of its kind' volume for narrative critical studies of the Gospel of Matthew. With this work, Berg provides the first full-length study of irony from a Matthean standpoint and opens the door wide for further scholarly attention to this crucial literary motif within Matthew's Gospel. Berg’s work is solidly grounded in the study of irony within Western literature. And her treatment of Matthew's Passion Narrative highlights in striking fashion the profoundly ironic modus operandi of Matthew’s implied author as he tells the story of God’s salvific purposes enacted through Jesus, Savior of God’s people (1:21)."
—Dorothy Jean Weaver
Eastern Mennonite University
"Berg is a careful scholar and unearths riches for the reader. Thoroughly engaging both literary theory and ancient context, Berg provides repeated fresh insights into the text of Matthew and a deeper understanding of his theology of the cross. Her superb work convincingly highlights the crucial role of irony in Matthew’s Passion Narrative."
—Craig S. Keener
Asbury Theological Seminary