“Narratology And The Story Of Job” (Job ch 1 and 2; 42:10) [Spanish Jerusalem Bible Series - Job sub-series - # Job Ch 1 and 2; 42:10]

In reading narratology (to edit novels right)
Then reading Job (in Spanish text), Today I’ve “Seen the Light!”
The former is a set of tools to mine the depths of Job,
And hear what once was going on, on other side of globe.

Job was a fable (fabula) that orally was told
For years around the area, ’round campfires by the old;
Then, ’bout the time of exile, God had author write it out,
Preserving for us Hebrew text, translations all about.

I’d studied Job (in English text) at University;
Once, later on my own as well (too deep for me to see);
I came back to the Spanish text, by which I have been blessed –
Two chapters, looking most words up (at level of the “Text”).

Translation is exceptional, I gather (scuttlebutt),
And so I can rely on it without a lot of ‘buts’
To know how Spanish hear the yarn, which helps me hear it too
In English, when I look again to see the English view.

The “fabula’s” quite simple – ’bout a rich and pious dad,
Who loses all, including kids, so fable is quite sad;
Three friends come visit (plus a fourth) and throw their two cents in
’Bout why this could be (he’s so nice; not really into sin).

God gives perspective at the end; Job “Gets it” and then sees
That all’s restored just as before, so everybody’s pleased
(Except the kids, and others killed in satan’s little hit –
Kids were “Possessions” in those days – poor space for one to fit).

The “Story” level of the yarn is clear; not everyone
Would tell this tale as this guy does – from start ’till he is done;
Nor would they each recount the lines each friend would say to Job,
Or Job and God’s replies back then, midst dust and grief-torn robes.

At level of the “Text” as well – translations in this case –
The author’s choice of phrases, words, with innuendos laced –
That fascinates me as I read, great insights “Words” can share
In any language, culture-based, expressing church’s care.

“Narrator” of a story too, is clear right from the start –
He is the one (or she) who “Tells the tale”, insight imparts;
For authors use narrators to tell tales they wish to share –
Devices students study as they many texts compare.

For that is what such students do – explorer many texts
For methods used in bygone days to handle stories best;
And narratology is sum of substance of such ways
That one can use to understand, at depth, what author says.

Thanks Lord for this.

navigation