The Theological Intentions of Mark's Literary Devices: Markan Intercalations, Frames, Allusionary Repetitions, Narrative Surprises, and Three Types of Mirroring

Abstract

This volume will interest all those who value a literary approach to the Gospel of Mark. Dean Deppe introduces some new literary devices in the research of the Gospel of Mark as well as demonstrates the theological intentions of Mark when he employs these literary devices. Deppe argues that Mark employs the literary devices of intercalation, framework, allusionary repetitions, narrative surprises, and three types of mirroring to indicate where he speaks symbolically and metaphorically at two levels. Mark employs these literary devices not just for dramatic tension and irony, but also for theological reasons to apply the Jesus tradition to specific problems in his own day. (Publisher). The two levels of interpretation in Mark's gospel -- Intercalations in the Gospel of Mark -- The literary device of a Markan framework -- Markan allusionary repetitions -- Markan narrative surprises -- Markan temporal mirroring -- Geographical mirroring: Jewish and Gentile territory -- Jewish ceremonial ritual mirroring -- Mark's symbolic use of miracle stories.