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An analytical study of the biblical myth of Cain and Abel, revealing the narrative intricacies and the profound insights of the story.
This is a literary-critical analysis of the myth of Cain and Abel, masterfully related in Genesis 4 by the Yahwist, probably the greatest storyteller in the Hebrew Bible. The Yahwist (commonly refered to as J, responsible for much of the Chapters 2-11 of Genesis) narrates the initial slaughter of one human being by another, and strikingly, it is described as fratricidal.
Onslaught Against Innocence explores the anthropological, theological, and psychological dimensions of this universal myth. LaCocque provides a close reading of J’s story by using literary and psychological criticism, revealing that the biblical author has more than an “archaeological” design. Rather, his characters – including God, Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel, plus minor figures – are paradigmatic, and as such they allow J to proceed with a fine analytical feel for the nature of evil. LaCocque shows that this well known story is much more than it seems at first sight; it is a portrait of a humanity that is always torn between the innocence of Eden and its denial; between what J calls “doing well” and “not doing well”.
This is a literary-critical analysis of the myth of Cain and Abel, masterfully related in Genesis 4 by the Yahwist, probably the greatest storyteller in the Hebrew Bible. The Yahwist (commonly refered to as J, responsible for much of the Chapters 2-11 of Genesis) narrates the initial slaughter of one human being by another, and strikingly, it is described as fratricidal.
Onslaught Against Innocence explores the anthropological, theological, and psychological dimensions of this universal myth. LaCocque provides a close reading of J’s story by using literary and psychological criticism, revealing that the biblical author has more than an “archaeological” design. Rather, his characters – including God, Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel, plus minor figures – are paradigmatic, and as such they allow J to proceed with a fine analytical feel for the nature of evil. LaCocque shows that this well known story is much more than it seems at first sight; it is a portrait of a humanity that is always torn between the innocence of Eden and its denial; between what J calls “doing well” and “not doing well”.
Price: $29.99
Pages: 188
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: James Clarke
Publication Date:
24 June 2010
Trim Size: 9.02 X 6.02 in
ISBN: 9780227173190
Format: Paperback
Abbreviations
1. Introduction
The Object of This Book. The Yahwist as Author. Date of Composition. Authorial Omniscience. A Matter of Temporality
2. The Anthropological Dimension
Cain Is an Agriculturist and Abel Is a Shepherd. The Brothers’ Sacrifices from a Phenomenological Viewpoint. The Introduction of Sin into the World. A Crux Interpretum – Verse 7. The First Crime. A Woman’s Glory and Her Sons’ Competition. The Oedipal Cain. In the Field. Alienation.
3. The Theological Dimension
Kinship Relations Belong to the Sacred. Soul Murder. God’s Favoritism? Sacrifice Revisited. The Divine and Human in Reciprocity. God’s Power – To Be Interpreted
4. The Psychological Dimension
Violence and the Sign upon Cain. Two in One. No Rehabilitation of Cain. Cain – A Tragic Figure? The Psychology of Abel, the Kin of Cain. Paranoia. Cain Builds the First City
5. Genealogy and Culture
Cain’s Genealogy in Genesis 4 (and 5). The Yahwist and the Origin of Culture and Civilization. The Song of Lamech. Hope Has the Last Word.
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index of Ancient Sources
Author Index
1. Introduction
The Object of This Book. The Yahwist as Author. Date of Composition. Authorial Omniscience. A Matter of Temporality
2. The Anthropological Dimension
Cain Is an Agriculturist and Abel Is a Shepherd. The Brothers’ Sacrifices from a Phenomenological Viewpoint. The Introduction of Sin into the World. A Crux Interpretum – Verse 7. The First Crime. A Woman’s Glory and Her Sons’ Competition. The Oedipal Cain. In the Field. Alienation.
3. The Theological Dimension
Kinship Relations Belong to the Sacred. Soul Murder. God’s Favoritism? Sacrifice Revisited. The Divine and Human in Reciprocity. God’s Power – To Be Interpreted
4. The Psychological Dimension
Violence and the Sign upon Cain. Two in One. No Rehabilitation of Cain. Cain – A Tragic Figure? The Psychology of Abel, the Kin of Cain. Paranoia. Cain Builds the First City
5. Genealogy and Culture
Cain’s Genealogy in Genesis 4 (and 5). The Yahwist and the Origin of Culture and Civilization. The Song of Lamech. Hope Has the Last Word.
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index of Ancient Sources
Author Index