Abstract

COETZER, Eugene. Heroes and Villains in 2 Maccabees 8:1-36 - A Rhetorical Analysis. Old testam. essays [online]. 2016, vol.29, n.3, pp.419-433. ISSN 2312-3621.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2016/v29n3a4.

In recent years, scholarly contributions to the study of 2 Maccabees have shifted towards a focus on larger themes and rhetorical elements. This, in turn, allowed for a deeper understanding of the narrative aim and the persuasive nature of the text. This article builds on traditional rhetorical analysis and adds to the discussion by investigating a neglected aspect namely the communicative strategy. It further explores an otherwise unnoted concept: a contract of trust between the implicit reader and a group or individual within the text. The vindication and legitimisation of the group of heroes within the text is shown to be a fundamental element in a strategy which presents the heroes as fully authoritative and their actions as unquestionable. Such a communicative strategy proves to be ideal for moving the reader to adopt the main proposition: the fate of the Jews is intimately connected to the scale of God's wrath and mercy.

Keywords : Rhetoric; Communicative Strategy; Narrative Aim; 2 Maccabees; Jewish Identity; Judaism.

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