Emotions and Ideology in the Noah-Ham Conflict (Genesis 9:24–27): A Narrative Clue for Noah’s Characterization

Abstract

Little attention has been given to emotions and ideology apparent in the curse narrative in Genesis 9:20-27. This study identifies and shows the significance of emotions and ideology in the Noah-Ham conflict. Based on the emotions and ideology depicted in the text, the study posits that the narrator is painting Noah in a more negative light than has been highlighted in scholarship. Based on a familial perspective, the study combines the literary critical approach and discourse analysis to identify the narrator’s clues to emotions and ideology that characterize Noah negatively. The study confines itself to the contextual and linguistic clues in this passage, focusing on the narrator’s points of view in characterizing Noah. By and large, the prevailing interpretation excuses Noah from any fault in the family conflict – at least not in the cursing act itself. However, the emotional texture attested in the curse narrative begins to question the legitimacy of Noah’s pronouncements upon Canaan and reignites the debate on Noah’s culpability in the conflict.