Recurrence in Book of Mormon Narratives

Title

Recurrence in Book of Mormon Narratives

Publication Type

Journal Article

Year of Publication

1994

Authors

Journal

Journal of Book of Mormon Studies

Pagination

39-52

Volume

3

Issue

1

Terms of use

Items in the BMC Archive are made publicly available for non-commercial, private use. Inclusion within the BMC Archive does not imply endorsement. Items do not represent the official views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or of Book of Mormon Central.

Bibliographic Citation

Abstract

Repetition appears purposefully within Book of Mormon narratives as a principle of reinforcement and confirmation. It seems that every important action, event, or character is repeated in the Book of Mormon. These repetitions emphasize the law of witnesses at work within the book (e.g., “in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established”; Ether 5:4). Further, they underscore the relevance of one character or action to people living in a different time, and they link narratives together with what Robert Alter calls “type-scenes.” Analyzed in detail as particularly striking are threefold repetitions in Nephi’s task to retrieve the brass plates and repetition of the word “power” in the missionary endeavor of the sons of Mosiah. Larger repeated narratives treat escape and travel to a promised land; repentance; and the nature, rise, and effect of secret combinations.

Show Full Text
Repetition
Secret Combinations
Missionary Work
Promised Land
Repentance
Brass Plates
Witnesses
Narrative
Nephi (Son of Lehi)

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