Flawed, complex, or faultless? : understanding the characterization of Joseph : a literary and exegetical analysis of Joseph

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Abstract, Thesis (M.A.B.T.S.)--Covenant Theological Seminary, 2022

Bibliography: leaves 58-59

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Flawed, complex, or faultless? : understanding the characterization of Joseph : a literary and exegetical analysis of Joseph

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Abstract

This thesis will explore whether the Joseph of Genesis is presented as a character that is flawed, flawless, or a mixture of flaws and virtues. I will do this first by learning how characters are created and developed in Old Testament narrative through descriptions, dialogue, actions, comparisons, and value statements. Then we will apply these principles to see how Joseph is progressively characterized throughout his story. Secondly, I will examine two specific texts that Joseph’s detractors use as evidence of ill-will. Those are his introduction and the dream narrative in 37:1-11, and key passages from the testing of his brothers in 42-45. My goal in examining these texts is to see if there is in fact clear evidence of ill-will, or if there may even be evidence of goodwill. The goal is to examine more critically the negative assumptions often made about his character to see if these assumptions have merit. This thesis will conclude that Joseph is best understood in light of how his character is progressively developed and revealed to the reader.

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