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

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

Hearing a Tale, Watching a Picture Show, continued

B. What are the central conflicts with God and others? Within the characters themselves? C. What are the central conflicts between the character and their situation? D. How does the story unify itself? 1. How does the organization of the story contribute to its unity? 2. What is the sequence of the events in this story? (Beginning, Middle, and End) 3. In what way does the story’s end resolve the questions raised at the beginning? IV. What Is the Point of View of the Author of the Story? A. What comments does the author give us about the characters and events in the story? B. What feelings do you believe the story is intending to generate? C. How are the materials and details arranged to communicate the author’s viewpoint clearly? V. What Are the Aspects of Narrative Suspense Revealed in the Story? A. What influences makes us sympathize with the characters? B. What produces disgust and aversion between us and the characters? C. How are we made to approve of what the characters did? D. What events or happenings cause us to disapprove of the characters? VI. What Use of Foils, Dramatic Irony, and Poetic Justice Are Used in the Story? A. Foils : what characters are set against each other as foes in the story? B. Dramatic irony : When is the reader informed of situations and realities that the characters themselves are unaware of? VII. What Insight Do the Characters Give Us as a “Commentary on Living?” A. Reality : What is the view of reality portrayed in the story and the character? B. Morality : What constitutes good and bad in the context of this story? C. Value : What is of ultimate concern and value in the story?