The performativity of ‘defining’ asides in the Fourth Gospel: A speech act perspective

Abstract

The article investigates the performative nature of asides that aim to define or specify something in the Fourth Gospel. Despite scholars exploring the prevalence and significance of asides in this Gospel, there has been limited attention given to studying or demonstrating the pragmatic and/or performative nature of these literary devices. The assertion is that asides are not mere literary embellishments, but carry a substantial performative role for the reader. This article seeks to address this gap in the study of Johannine asides. Employing a speech act interpretive approach, the article examines the nature and potential effects (i.e., the illocutionary and perlocutionary force) of these specific asides on the reader in the Fourth Gospel. While there is a general consensus that asides are not events and therefore do not advance the plot of the story, this contribution contends that asides play a crucial role in guiding the reader towards embracing or acting on the implied author’s propositions as they engage with the narrative. The Fourth Gospel serves as an apt text to illustrate this literary phenomenon and is believed to be consistent with the Gospel’s purpose as stated in 20:31.

Contribution: The article contributes to Johannine literary research by exploring and demonstrating how the implied author of the Fourth Gospel intentionally utilises various types of asides (in this case, asides that function to define or specify something) to invite the reader’s participation as they read the Gospel.