Genesis 38: literary design and context

This thesis is a study of Genesis 38 as a distinct literary unit which is intimately related to its literary context. The study concentrates on the literary dimensions of Genesis 38 as a architectonic unity and interconnected with the Joseph cycle. By using a narratological methodology, its parallel, surface, and plot structures are elucidated and shown to form a structural whole. Focusing upon the relationship between Genesis 38 and the surrounding Joseph cycle, it is shown that Genesis 38 is interconnected to the Joseph cycle by way of repeating motifs, key-words, themes, and narrative situation. The study, in sum, is a literary-critical interpretation of Genesis 38 which focuses upon its intricate and subtle narrative art.