| Abstract [eng] |
Through the semiotic analysis of figures, narrative structure and deep values of the Book of Tobit, this study aims to reveal how and what meanings of faith and trust are created in this narrative. The study is based on the hypothesis that semiotic analysis, which connects the structure of the narrative and the change of narrative phases, allows for the most consistent disclosure of the concept of faith and trust. The main research question is: How the relationship between faith and trust is constructed in the Book of Tobit? The study is based on the narrative grammar developed by A. J. Greimas, additionally using intertextuality, epistemic and other modalities and the concept of veridiction. Semiotic analysis shows that faith in the narrative is revealed as a changing, not a stable phenomenon, which manifests itself in different phases as pragmatic, intersubjective (trusting) and cognitive action. The chiasmic and concentric structure of the narrative creates the effect of a radical reversal and, through a comparative analysis of the first and second parts of the narrative, allows us to see the significant differences between faith and trust. In the I, introductory sequence, the meaning of faith as a practice is created and the epistemic modality of certainty is affirmed. Tobit reveals himself as a reliable and trusting subject on the human plane. In sequence II, corresponding to the manipulation phase, Tobit is blinded as the result of an accident, which transforms his state from an active to a passive subject, destabilizes his epistemic modalities, while the negative social sanction causes a passional affect and initiates a crisis of faith. Sequence III, corresponding to the manipulation phase, reveals faith as a structural condition for the operation of trust, which enables the subject to act despite ignorance and be guided by the other’s knowledge. In sequence IV, the competence phase, faith is expressed as trusting obedience, hopeful expectation, and the fulfilment of expectations. In sequence V, the sanction phase, the hidden truth is revealed, and Tobit's faith is positively sanctioned, while his righteousness acquires the value of reciprocity. The concept of truth links the modalities of faith and knowledge into a common cognitive universe by replacing the distinction between knowledge and faith with the distinction between traditional and personal knowledge and faith. The double structure of veridiction developed throughout the narrative creates the meaning of faith as a hidden pre-knowledge. This work can be useful for those interested in biblical semiotics and could be further elaborated in the directions of intertextual analysis and cultural semiotics, while the rich iconography of the book of Tobit opens the prospect of visual semiotics research. |
