Literary Devices – Bereshit 44/0
Literary Devices – Bereshit 44
Allusions
The Sale of Yosef
Through the use of allusions, the Torah conveys that bringing Binyamin to Egypt is a symbolic reenactment of the sale of Yosef, and an opportunity for the brothers to correct their misdeeds:
- The silver that Yosef commands to be returned to the brothers (44:1) calls to mind the silver for which Yosef was sold into slavery (37:28) and symbolizes the brothers’ continued feeling of guilt for the sale.
- There are repeated references to one or all brothers being held as a slave in Egypt.
- Yehuda refers to Binyamin seven times as “הנער,” the same word with which Yosef is introduced in 37:2.
- Yehuda’s powerful words describing the anguish Yaakov will feel if Binyamin does not return -- “וְהוֹרִידוּ עֲבָדֶיךָ אֶת שֵׂיבַת עַבְדְּךָ אָבִינוּ בְּיָגוֹן שְׁאֹלָה” -- allude to Yaakov’s declaration after the sale of Yosef: “אֵרֵד אֶל בְּנִי אָבֵל שְׁאֹלָה”.
Stealing the Teraphim
- Robert Alter in his commentary on Bereshit1 notes a parallel between the brothers’ declaration that whoever has the goblet will die, and Yaakov’s declaration to Lavan that whoever has his teraphim will not live (31:32). The obvious irony is that, in Bereshit 31, Rachel had actually stolen the teraphim but was not found out, whereas in this chapter, Binyamin did not steal the goblet but was found out.
Key Words
The various key words of this chapter, "עבד", "אב", and "אדון" reflect the themes of the chapter: the play between subservience and authority, and the brothers’ feelings of loyalty to their father. They might also allude to a symbolic reenactment of the sale of Yosef into slavery.
Slave and Master
- See Tanakh Lab that in Yehuda’s speech, he refers to himself as "עַבְדְּךָ" (your servant) twelve times, and to Yosef as “אֲדֹנִי” (my master) seven times. The language highlights Yehuda's demonstration of respect and deference to Yosef.
- See Yehuda's Oration for contrasting opinions as to how to read Yehuda's speech - as an appeal fro mercy (supported by these key words) or as a show of defiance and threat.
Youth and Father
See Tanakh Lab that in Yehuda’s speech, he refers to Binyamin as "the lad" (הַנַּעַר) seven times, and to his "father" ("אָבִי") fourteen times, each being a means of inspiring Yosef’s sympathy.
Repetition
- Tanakh uses many techniques of literary repetition. Yehuda’s speech is an extended example in which he recounts what has happened in the preceding chapters. Interestingly, he includes some details that did not appear earlier which might help reveal his underlying messages.
- Secondary Literature –
- For an exploration of the techniques and strategies of repetition that Yehuda employs, see Yehuda's Oration.
- For analysis of the significant ways in which Yehuda alters his retelling of events, and the implicit accusation within his retelling, see Yehuda’s Monologue: Reading Between the Lines by R. Elchanan Samet.
Character Titles
Brothers of Yosef
The brothers of Yosef are consistently referred to as “הָאֲנָשִׁים,” rather than "האחים" (the brothers), in keeping with their own lack of awareness of the significance of their family identity at this juncture in the story. This appellation will shift in the next chapter, when Yosef reveals himself to them
Binyamin
In his speech, Yehuda consistently refers to Binyamin as “הַנַּעַר”, the youth, and “אָחִינוּ הַקָּטֹן,” our youngest brother, presumably in order to inspire sympathy for him.
Yosef
Yehuda refers to Yosef nine times as “ אֲדֹנִי”, reflecting the deference he must show him.
