I am going to focus my thoughts on language, specifically word choice.
2. Passage Analyzed
I decided to analyze 2 Nephi chapter 28 verses 15-16, including this excerpt:
"...Wo, wo, wo be unto them... for they shall be thrust down to hell!"
3. Annotated Text
4. Breakdown / Listing of things found:
The narrator's word choice is extremely bold and unique. The 'Lord God Almighty' uses the word 'wo' three times in a row, then one more time in the next sentence.
The narrator's word choice is extremely bold and unique. The 'Lord God Almighty' uses the word 'wo' three times in a row, then one more time in the next sentence.
5. Interpretation:
The use of words and phrases such as puffed up, thrust, revile, speedily, fully ripe, and tumble show the reader that the narrator has a sense of urgency. Some of these words are calls to action, and others are bringing forth that sense of urgency using brilliant and unusual descriptive words. The Lord's use of 'wo' three times in a row might mean that he is trying to get a point across in a very straight-forward way. It is hard to miss a triple warning!
6. Connections / Questions:
As I read other student's posts, I discovered that this is not the only time repetition and colorful language were recognized as being used in the Book of Mormon. In Elijah's post, Fiery Rhetoric- Jacob's Call to Repentance, he also found repetitive ideas and words. Why do you think we, as a people, continually forget the prophets' advice and warnings?
The use of words and phrases such as puffed up, thrust, revile, speedily, fully ripe, and tumble show the reader that the narrator has a sense of urgency. Some of these words are calls to action, and others are bringing forth that sense of urgency using brilliant and unusual descriptive words. The Lord's use of 'wo' three times in a row might mean that he is trying to get a point across in a very straight-forward way. It is hard to miss a triple warning!
6. Connections / Questions:
As I read other student's posts, I discovered that this is not the only time repetition and colorful language were recognized as being used in the Book of Mormon. In Elijah's post, Fiery Rhetoric- Jacob's Call to Repentance, he also found repetitive ideas and words. Why do you think we, as a people, continually forget the prophets' advice and warnings?
I think it is easy to forget the prophets' exhortations because it takes a great deal of effort to do what they ask. Often we need to change who we are or how we think and act, which can be extremely difficult! It is much easier to set it aside and come back to it next Sunday. Or maybe the next one.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I don't know what "Wo" is or what it feels like, but I don't want to either.
ReplyDeleteI love that it is repeated 3 times though. In our religion, as well as all Christianity, we see the symbolism of three...the three members of the Godhead, the presidency is made up of three individuals, there is great emphasis in the number three. I think this was one way the Lord could really get our attention, was to say it three times. It was also a hebrew custom, that something said three times, was like a "hebrew superlative," meaning there isn't anything higher than that, and it was to be considered very important.