| dc.description.abstract | Regarding Mark as a whole and examining it with the use of narrative criticism (a combination of literary criticism and theological interpretation) allows us to gain a richer appreciation for the message the author conveys. As Richard A. Horsley attests, "If we always read it in fragments, we will never get a sense of the full story." Experiencing the gospel in its entirety, the audience tenses with a sense of urgency as layers of meaning unfold across subplots filled with suspense, drama, miracles, politics, power, betrayal, and suffering -- all set against the backdrop of the kingdom of God. Like most stories, Mark's masterfully crafted narrative contains a variety of characters; however, they are not as fully developed as most characters found in modern literature. Instead, the author of Mark utilizes characters to convey meaning and further develop the plotline. This paper examines the literary characteristics, patterns, and meanings throughout the gospel of Mark and focuses on one character who has remained largely overlooked in scholarship, the colt from Mark's account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. I assert that the author of the Gospel of Mark utilizes the colt in Mark 11:2 as a character within the narrative who, like the voice from heaven, the demons, and the winds and waves, also recognizes and submits to the authority of Jesus as the Son of God. | |
