| This dissertation employs a feminist perspective to interpret the Rebekah narratives as a literary unit. The Rebekah narratives work together to yield a coherent story with beginning, development, crisis, denouement, and ending. The major issue in the Isaac-Rebekah cycle is how the divine blessing will be safely transmitted to the chosen heir. This issue excludes Isaac's active role because Rebekah, not Isaac, is the one whom God chooses to give the task. The Rebekah narratives unfold around this plot and Rebekah's character and role become prominent for the mission to be accomplished.;This rhetorical reading of the narratives shows that they are rich in literary devices, carefully arranged by the narrator, and offer the reader the pleasure of reading. Rebekah's role is comparable to those of Abraham and Jacob; she belongs to the formula of Abraham, Rebekah and Jacob. As the heroine albeit within patriarchy, she is an impressive character whose life and mission are jeopardized but who survives and finally accomplishes her goal. Her legacy goes on as both confirmation and challenge to patriarchal values. |
