Your reading in Ryken explains how interpreting the Bible correctly requires a literary lens. In this assignment you will apply the tools in the Ryken reading (pages 33-67) to study a section of Scripture in-dept.BIBLE AS LITERATURE WORKSHEET
Using the table provided below, complete an in-depth study of literary context of the book of Ruth. The literary elements you are looking for are those described in your Ryken reading (pp. 33-67). In the “Clue” column, you will find the page numbers in Ryken (1984) for the respective element.
To complete this worksheet:
Fill in the right column as appropriate to the literary element, and
Provide a description of your rationale, with Scripture references.
If you leave a space empty, explain why—i.e., what is missing?
Literary Element
Clue
(Example) Genre
26
Story/Narrative. The book of Ruth is clearly written as story/narrative due to its inclusion of concrete detail for persons, places, and historical events.
(Example) Type of Story
75-86
Heroic Narrative. Ruth is a character whose story easily connects with many of our own stories, displaying how (when inspired by her narrative) we can follow her same example of faith in the midst of tragedy and opposition.
Physical Setting (+ Possible Significance)
35
Cultural Setting
36-7
*Describe some of the cultural elements present in the story that are helpful for understanding it.*
Characters + How they are Described
37-8
Conflict (Describe)
40
How Suspense is Built
41-3
Narrative Unity (Describe)
44-7
Test(s)—Are there any? Describe.
50-1
Instances of Transformation/Change
52-4
Foils
54-5
Irony
55
Poetic Justice
56
Repetition
60-1
Point of View
61-4
Instances of Sympathy or Aversion
66-7