A Figurative and Narrative Language Grammar of Revelation
AbstractJohn's Apocalypse puzzles and troubles at every page. The reason is that the author frequently goes against common logic in shaping his images and narratives. Yet this lack of logic is not capriciousness. In fact, since Rev.'s surprising literary phenomena occur repeatedly, one can catalogue and systematise them in a sui generis Johannine figurative and narrative grammar. This contribution analyses two features of Johannine images (1), six features of Johannine ways of narrating (2), and the surreal and oneiric world created by John (3). First, this review helps one understand better John's bewildering language and makes the book of Rev. a more readable book. Second, it suggests that the numerous difficulties of Rev. are to be resolved first of all by collating the parallel traits found within this very same book, and not by hurriedly resorting to possible literary sources.