Reading 'Bel and the Dragon' as narrative : a comparison between the Old Greek and Theodotion

Abstract

Narrative theory, especially as it pertains to biblical narrative, is in a nebulous state. This article points out the enduring importance of narrative criticism for biblical narrative by way of a comparison between the two extant versions of the ancient narrative of Bel and the Dragon. By using an eclectic model of narrative theory, three traditional focal points of narratology (time, character and space) are compared. In comparing these aspects of the two versions, certain emphases of each come to light, clearly showing the benefits of reading biblical narrative as narrative.