Reading Biblical Narratives from Genesis 4-11 “The Continuing Effects of the Fall.”

Write an Interpretative Essay in which you analyze ONE of the sections of the Genesis narrative from Chapters 4-11: 

•     Cain and Abel (4:1-26), or
•     Noah after the Flood (9:18-29), or
•     Table of Nations (10:1-32), or
•     Tower of Babel (11:1-9).

1. Briefly describe the plot and characters in the narrative (Hint: God is a character as well).  What happens? What tensions are in the story? What surprises you? What does the narrator NOT tell that you might have expected?
2. Use the information on literary forms or characteristics in biblical narratives (Torah Story 16-23), and the analysis of these accounts by both texts, plus your own observations, to describe how the narrator gets his meaning across to the reader.  Be specific!
3. After consulting the texts and other commentaries and/or scholarly articles you may choose, describe what you think is the purpose of including this narrative in the larger narrative account of Genesis.
4. How do you see this narrative connecting to any major themes of the Bible? 
5. What challenges do you see for a contemporary audience?

Instructions:

• Write a 2-3 page Interpretive Essay.
• The paper must be double-spaced, either MLA or Turabian Style, and use Times New Roman 12 font.
• Include a header with your name, course number, and pagination.  A cover page is not required.
• Be sure to cite any information taken from the texts.  You may use outside sources–not internet websites–such as commentaries, other introductions, or scholarly articles from peer-reviewed journals.  All citations must be in either MLA or Turabian form and a Works Cited page must be included.
• Refer to the rubric for grading criteria.