Literary Analysis of David and Goliath

A Character Analysis of David and Goliath When studying any piece of literary works there are many different methods and techniques that can be used. The Bible, in specific, is often referred to as a source of moral code, hope, and answers to social, ethical, and political questions. However, this incredibly powerful book can also be read as if it were any other novel. The plaints, settings, and characters can whole be evaluated for what they are, for energizeting the notion that they are from a spiritual text. This approach is called narrative criticism.When regarding to the Bible in this way, we do not need to know any historical information or focus on seeking a deeper theological meaning. Instead, the stories are evaluated in terms of how well the characters, settings, and events portray the overall theme or message of the narrative. The fiction of David and Goliath in particular, does a great job in using its characters to achieve this goal. though there are many different interpretations of this story, I am going to focus on one the idea that power and strength is not needed to succeed or win, but instead it is our heart and determination, intelligence, and above all, our faith in God.To get this point across, the implied author uses narratives to tell us about David and Goliath as well as show us specific and relevant character traits through their natural processs and beliefs. In order to understand how the characters portray the message of the story we must first develop a set of traits based on what the information attached to us by implied author. In the precise beginning of the story we are given a detailed comment of Goliath And there came out from the bivouacking of the Philistines a champion names Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail the tip of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. He had greves of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slug between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weavers beam, and his spears head weighted six hundred shekels of iron and his shield-bearer went before him (1 Samuel 17 5-7). Based on this description we can easily come to the conclusion that Goliath is extremely strong and powerful and an experienced warrior.He is prepared, self-confident, and willing to take on whatever he is confront with. It is also explained that Goliaths height is six cubits and a span, which is about nine feet in todays society, making him extremely tall. Further much, we are explicitly told that he is a champion, alluding to the idea that he never loses a battle. It is here where the implied reader would initially assume that Goliath is most likely to prevail. It is also utter in the text, through the words of David, that Goliath is uncircumcised.Though this minor detail can easily be overlooked it is important to note because it demonstrates Goliaths lack of faith in God. In addit ion to what the implied author explicitly tells us, there are several characteristics of Goliath that can be presumed from his own actions as well as those nearly him. For example, Goliaths character can be described as arrogant and cocky based on his command to fleck an Israelite to death for victory. He shouts to the Israelites, Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come round to me.If he is able to fight with me and drink smoothen me, past we will be your servants but if I prevail against him, then you shall be our servants and serve us (1 Samuel 17 8-9). Before the battle can even begin, Goliath immediately takes it upon himself to set the terms and conditions of how to fight the battle at Socoh. He becomes very commanding and authoritative, bossing everyone around. Instead of both armies fighting one another, like a typical battle, Goliath is so confident in his fighting efficiency that he declares a one-on-one battle to determine the outcome of the battle.In reaction to Goliaths demand, Saul and all the Israelites fled from Goliath, and were very much afraid (1 Samuel 1724). Not only does this show the power and terrifying quality of Goliath, but it also demonstrates a weakness in Saul, who is mull over to lead and protect the Israelites, and his people. At this point, it is hard to side with either the Philistines or the Israelites since neither show desirable qualities. Goliath, though strong and powerful, shows nothing beyond that. He shows no faith in God and is entirely dependant on his fancy armor and swords.Goliath has no other source of strength other than his strong-arm stature and possessions. David, on the other hand, is depicted as a character that is lacking brute strength and weaponry. We are told through the voice of Goliath that he is only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance (1 Samuel 17 42). It is evident that David is meant to appear as an average kid with no exceedingly passkey or spectacular qualities. This simple po rtrayal of David is significant because it sets in motion the development of realistic empathy from the implied reader towards David.It is important for the implied reader to feel empathetic towards David because even though David kills Goliath in the end, we are meant to view him as a hero, not a murder. Building a connection between the implied reader and David makes this possible. Though David represents a seemingly common boy at the time, he has several qualities that make him stand out. However, these character traits are never simply told to us. Instead, the implied author uses Davids actions, decisions, and beliefs to reveal his nature.For example, while his two brothers followed Saul David went back and forth from Saul to feed his fathers sheep at Bethlehem (1 Samuel 1715). Through this simple action we see the first sign of Davids loyalty and commitment. Despite the fact that both of his brothers decide to focus on their loyalty to Saul, David continues to devote his time t o fortune his father and stays true to his obligation. Though the ability to be loyal is not enough to help David win the battle against Goliath, the implied reader is able to order with David creating a deeper and more developed sense of realistic empathy.We are then provided evidence that David does in fact possess a set of military skills. When go about with Sauls doubt and disbelief that he will be able to successful take on Goliath, David tells him a story of how he protects his aims sheep from lions and bears. David proclaims, your servant used to keep sheep for his father and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and stricken it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it.Your servant has killed both lions and bears and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God (1 Samuel 1734-36). Providi ng us with this story of the sheep is a very effective way for the implied author to demonstrate Davids skill set. He is outstandingly very courageous for taking on the lion and bear in the first place and appears utterly fearless and determined when he continues to strike and kill them. These, in truth, are qualities that prove to be useful when in a fight. Though David is initially epicted as an underdog, his victory in this story provides the implied reader with more reason to continue building empathy towards him. However, above all these traits, is Davids unwavering and unconditional faith in God. David states, the LORD, who saved me from the deal of the lion and form the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine (1 Samuel 17 37). This verse clearly depicts Davids relationship with God. Instead of relying on armor, swords, and spears, like Goliath, David puts his fate in Gods hands. He undoubtedly trusts that God will allow him to prevail, just as he did against the lions and bears.This is in contrast with Goliath, who worships false Gods and is completely dependant on his weapons and physical strengths. David then prepares for battle when Saul presents him with his armor, which he refuses to wear because it is too heavy for him to walk in. This simple gesture shows that David is confident in his own abilities and the power of God. Instead of relying on the armor for protection, like Goliath, he plays up his skills and utilizes his familiarity with a sling and stones. When David first appears to Goliath, Goliath disdained him, for he was only a youth (1 Samuel 1742).Goliath goes on to sneer him stating, Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the palm (1 Samuel 1743-44). Through this statement, we can conclude that Goliath represents a bully figure. He appears cruel and harsh, trying to make D avid feel lesser than him for having no armor, no sword or spear, but just a sling and some rocks. However, David is not frightened or fazed by Goliaths attempt to scare and reprove him. In fact, the very opposite occurs.In his response to Goliath, David exudes bravery, determination, and loyalty to God and his people. David exclaims, This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not save by sword and spear for the battle is the LORDs and he will give you into our hand (1 Samuel 17 46-47).Not only is Davids faith further depicted in this statement, but also it provides great evidence towards Davids character. Instead of backing down to Goliath, he asserts himself and stands up to hi m. He also mocks Goliath by mimicking him in that he will feed his body to the birds, displaying his courage and bravery in the face of overwhelming force. Though the climatic point in this story is when David actually defeats Goliath, it is in this very statement where the meaning behind the action derives.The implied author explicitly tells us that it is not force and weapons that win the battle, but it is the ability to fully entrust in God. However, despite the fact that the implied author plainly states the message of the story, the power behind it would cease to exist without the strong character development. It is needed for us to create a distinct image of Goliath as a tall, strong, and powerful fighter with intense weaponry to understand that these qualities are not what lead to success.Alternately, it is courage and mental strength, combined with faith and trust in a higher power, which is demonstrated through the character of David. Instead of choosing to back down when faced with the tremendous force, Goliath, David steps up and places a strong belief in his abilities and in God. The fall of Goliath is not simply a narration of an unexpected defeat, but of the value of faith in accomplishing the impossible.