For Literature of the Western World | Life University

1. Week I Power Point
The Story of Joseph

2. What is “Literature”?
“Literature” comes from the Latin for “letters,” but “people told
stories and sang songs long before they had any means to record
them” (Norton 3)

3. The Story of Joseph -- Context
The Story of Joseph occurs in the first of five books of the Bible
(The Torah). The word “Genesis” (in Hebrew “Bereshit”
) means “origin” or “birth” (Norton 111).

4. The Story of Joseph – Genesis Themes
Recurring themes in Genesis include
1. exile from home, the stranger in a strange land;
2. strife between family members (Cain vs. Abel, Isaac vs.
Ishmael, Jacob vs. Esau, Joseph vs. his brothers)

5. The Story of Joseph – Dreams
The Future
One important theme in Joseph’s story, specifically, is a
focus on the future, as symbolized by Joseph’s dreams and
his ability to interpret them accurately.

6. The Story of Joseph – God’s Favorite
The Favor of God
The favor of God is another key theme. God is always with
Joseph, whatever difficulties he must face. “Whatever he
did, the Lord made succeed” (141).

7. Family Strife
Here, as in other Genesis stories of strife between family
members, competition is the source of conflict:
1. Joseph “tattles” on his brothers;
2. he tells them about a dream that suggests they will one
day bow to him.
The Story of Joseph – Sibling Rivalry

8. The Story of Joseph -- Redemption
Forgiveness and Knowledge
1. Redemption and forgiveness – when Joseph tests them,
the brothers do not treat Benjamin as they once treated
him.
2. Power – having something someone else wants (e.g.
while other lands starve, Egypt has food)
3. Knowledge as power – Joseph has the advantage of
recognizing his brothers when they don’t recognize him.
He manipulates the situation that eventually leads to
reconciliation.