Introduction: Bound to Retell

Chapter Summary

This introductory chapter of the book Between Biblical Criticism and Poetic Rewriting argues throughout broadly and inescapably about 'religious' due to the etymologies of the word. The author argues that biblical interpretation proceeds by culturally constructed and critically legitimized retellings. The paradox of a Bible that can be deconstructed and yet still survive, still live on, is brought about by writers and critics who are 'bound to retell' in this broad sense of 'religious' reading and rewriting. He also argues that one of the most dynamic interactions between writer and biblical text is through the phenomenon of poetic retelling. The author's work, the poetic paragesis highlights the 'made' nature of interpretative acts. These act-events occur within discourses into which the writer, whether critic or poet, is inscribed and bound.

Keywords: 'religious' reading; biblical interpretation; bound; poetic paragesis; poetic retelling; retellings