Due May 10
As we have seen in looking at Mark and Matthew, the gospels (especially the synoptics) use the same or similar materials to very different ends. For your second microtheme, I want you to look at parallels between at least two verions of the same material. You will need to do more than simply note the similarities and differences between the two or more versions; this would represent a catalogue, not an attempt at literary interpretation. Instead, tell me what the differences mean for the gospel's depiction of Jesus, how they serve different purposes and create different effects.
Important note: your microtheme must include a thesis statement (a position your theme takes on the function of differences), and you must set your thesis in a context (answering the "so what?" question). If you are still unclear on how to develop a thesis or what it means to discuss the significance of the thesis, then please plan to meet with me outside of class.
The assignment thus asks you to use both your ability to closely analyze a text for similarities/differences and your interpretive imagination in accounting for those patterns of similarity/difference.