Employing Northrop Frye”s system of archetypal literary criticism – the use of romance, tragedy, irony and satire, and comedy – Brian Larsen offers a compelling summary of the essential governing framework and means of exchange between literature and theology. Characters in the Fourth Gospel are examined through a specific archetype, and, reciprocally, these characters illuminate and inform important theological aspects of their respective archetypes: Jesus and romance (hero story); Pilate and tragedy; the Jews and Thomas and irony; and Peter and comedy.
This volume further clarifies the understanding of Frye”s archetypesand identifies the key variable between each one: the relationship between (1) a belief or ideal and (2) experience or reality. Helping to advance dialogue between literature, biblical studies and theology, and providing insightful readings for a number of Fourth Gospel characters and texts, Larsen”s examination will appeal to those seeking a new perspective on the themes of the New Testament or those seeking theological insights into literature.