An iconographic exegesis of the Oracles Against the Nations, Isaiah 14:24-24.

Parry, Clare Elinor 2021. An iconographic exegesis of the Oracles Against the Nations, Isaiah 14:24-24. MPhil Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Iconographic exegesis enables the critical interpretation of the Biblical text through the iconography of the ancient Near East. The Oracles against the Nations are a visually rich and emotive section of Isaiah and has thus far been underrepresented in scholarly discussion. Furthermore, they have not been subjected to the iconographic approach that has been applied to trito-Isaiah. However the literary images employed make the Oracles an apt candidate for iconographic exegesis to reinterpret the text. This study uses the iconography of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to analyse and critically read the Oracles against the Nations (Isa 14:24-24). Interpreters have agency in how they view and read art and text, thus Isaiah has been subjected to centuries of varying interpretations because of the societal and cultural effects on the human gaze. This has lead to layers of understanding and analysis that can effect the ancient meanings of the text. This thesis uses evidence to understand how the ancients viewed their world through the iconography, thus shedding light onto the original authorial intent in the construction of their narrative with literary images. This work offers reinterpretation of the text through the lens of the iconography, adding layers of analysis beyond the surface level. Some of the most prevalent themes in the Oracles are explored in this thesis including kingship, agriculture, society and culture and warfare and violence.

Item Type:	Thesis (MPhil)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	History, Archaeology and Religion
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > D History (General) > D051 Ancient History D History General and Old World > D History (General)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	11 February 2022
Date of Acceptance:	7 February 2022
Last Modified:	11 Feb 2023 02:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/147413

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