Archetypes and the Fourth Gospel

<p>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. <p/>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.</p>