Archetypes and the Fourth Gospel Literature and Theology in Conversation

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.

• Table of contents
• Acknowledgments
• Preface
• Introduction
• 1. The Fourth Gospel, Jesus and Romance
• 2. Tragedy and Pilate
• 3. Irony, Thomas and the Jews
• 4. Comedy and Peter
• 5. Conclusion
• Bibliography
• Index