GELYKENISSE EN BETEKENISSE
Abstract
Parables and meanings Jürgen Link’s model of the semantic structure of symbols is applied in an analysis of the parable of the Prodigal Son. According to this model the semantic structurer of a symbol results from the interplay of three types of relations: syntagmatic relations immanent to either pictura (“picture part”) or subscriptio (“reality part”); relations between elements of the pictura on the one hand, and elements of the subscriptio on the other hand; and relations between syntagmatic relations in the pictura and the subscriptio An analysis of the syntagmatic relations of the Prodigal Son reveals two sets of relations, viz the structure of event’s and the structure of the relations between two sons and their father. On the basis of Link’s postulate of isomorphy these syntagmatic structures have to be mirrored in the subscriptio, here implied by the context (Lk 15:1-10). The parable is thus shown to have a dual message: in the first instance it is an appeal to the Pharisees to join Jesus inn rejoicing at the possible coming home of publicans and sinners; in the second place it emphasizes the fact that in God’s view sonship entails joyful communion and not (only) service. Finally, the following conclusions are drawn: a parable’s ability to mean depends on element-pairing relations between its pictura and subscriptio. These relations are not incidental (Weder) or simply a concession to the audience (Linnemann); they are indispensable for the functioning of the parable. The parable’s meaning, however, is based on the isomorphy between syntagmatic structures in the pictura and subscriptio respectively. The subscriptio is not a fixed entity but depends on the context in which the parable is used. The postulate of isomorphy serves as criterion for the validity of an interpretation: only subscriptiones that meet this requirement can be attached to the pictura.Downloads
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