1. Joseph story as aetiology of Jews in Egypt, possibly recalling movement of Semites into Egypt in 14th-11th c. BC Joseph as ambiguous figure Pairs/Doubling: e.g. dreams, Joseph’s confinement, brothers’ visits to Egypt. Also doubling in speech, phrases For emphasis and to prolong suspense

2. Pairs/Doubling Double-plot: Brothers’ sufferings echoing their actions in past Joseph’s harshness to them echoing theirs to him Their imprisonment recalling his They have to return to father with news of lost brother again (Simeon), and must ask him again for favoured son

3. Pairs/Doubling Finding of silver in their sacks echoes decision to sell Joseph for silver Effect of reliving crime is to change morality of brothers Jacob sends as gifts for mysterious Egyptian same goods with which Joseph went to Egypt; brothers re-enacting actions of Ishmaelite traders

4. Pairs/Doubling Pushing events back to before brothers’ crime: Joseph giving brothers opportunity to commit new crime with silver cup, but they pass test Joseph’s final realisation in Gen. 45: 5-7. Just as wise action (constructing stores) saved Egyptians, wise action (planting of cup) effected reconciliation and thus saved Israelites in time of famine

5. Themes Favoritism, conflict and reconciliation between brothers: younger brother winning out, and distance bringing resolution. Reunification, rather than uneasy peace. Concern with family unity (Gen. 44: 7-9 and 18-34)

6. Joseph’s second dream: sun, moon and stars Dream must remain unfulfilled, because Rachel is dead (Gen. 35): possibly from different source? Or dream is reflection on Joseph? Or Jacob’s interpretation is wrong, and explanation is missing?

7. Judah and Tamar (Gen. 38): Er, Onan and Shelah Favouring younger son Impact on Judah: New level of maturity and responsibility Being surety for brother (Gen. 43: 1-10) Offering self instead of Benjamin (Gen 44: 33) Thus fitting leader for Israelites (Gen. 49)

8. Jacob’s dying request: Asserting claim to land Ambiguous attitude to violence