The story of a good old man: Narrative characterization of Joseph in the Protoevangelium of James
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23925/2236-9937.2021v25p34-51Keywords:
Protoevangelium of James, New Testament Apocrypha, Joseph, Mary, Narrative criticismAbstract
The Protoevangelium of James, an apocryphal text dated around the second-century AD, describes the story of Mary and Jesus’ conception and birth. The author of the writing also depicts the story of Joseph briefly, who takes care and protects Mary. From a critical narrative perspective, this article explores the life of Joseph in this non-canonical text. Literarily, this essay examines the characterization that the narrator does of this character, by paying attention to the use of two narrative techniques: “telling” and “showing.” The term “telling” refers to how the narrator declares the traits the character has, by using his or her own narrative voice. The technique of “showing” displays the way these traits function in the life and actions of the studied character. The article evidences how the text employs the figure of Joseph as an apologetic resource of Mary, who serves as guardian and witness of Mary’s role in the conception and birth of Jesus.
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