A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

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Appendix 35 Hearing a Tale, Watching a Picture Show How to Interpret a Biblical Tale: An Unofficial Checklist of Narrative Elements Adapted from Leland Ryken How to Read the Bible as Literature I. What Is the Setting of the Story? A. Where does the “once upon a time” occur? (i.e., where, when, in what place?) B. Physical surroundings and setting C. Historical environment and cultural situation D. Interpersonal relationships and situation II. Who Are the Characters in the Story? A. Who are the main/supporting players in the story? B. Who is the “protagonist?” Who is the “antagonist?” C. How does the author describe the character’s development? 1. What is the dilemma/problem/conflict the protagonist is seeking to overcome? 2. What character quality is tested in the protagonist? 3. What alternative life choices are open to the characters in the story? D. Which decisions do the characters make, and what is the result of their decisions? E. What is the final outcome of the character’s life and choice? 1. Where do the characters begin in the story? 2. How do the experiences of the character affect their development? 3. Where do the individual characters eventually wind up as a result of their experiences, and the choices they made within them? III. What Plot Conflicts Exist within the Story? A. Where is the story heading? What is its “point?” What about foregrounding and highlighting? 1. Repetition: what phrases, items, themes, issues, or actions are repeated? 2. Highlighting: what things in the characters and events are emphasized above other things? 3. Foregrounding: what things are made to stand out “center stage” in the flow of the story?