As far as narrative literature goes, I think this qualifies as a tragedy. In this chapter I don't think anyone would argue that Tamar is a tragic figure. In a sense, this account is like Judges in the how bad the moral decay becomes.
Read through this chapter several times. Note the various character details given, especially features that are repeated (some almost irritatingly so). Consider the point of this author/editor including this account in such detail.
After reading through several times, go back through with these questions:
- It says that brother Amnon loves sister Tamar, and uses that term rather emphatically. From what follows, how 'loving' do you think was Amnon? What other terms might better describe what he feels?
- Why do you think Amnon's feelings for Tamar are making him physically sick? What is it about her being a virgin that's a problem? Why do you think that she was his sister doesn't seem to phase him?
- Pay very close attention to Jonadab throughout this chapter. What does he seem to be suggesting? How much do you think he really knows or suspects about Amnon?
- What significance (if any) do you think there is in Amnon's small deviations from Jonadab's plan?
- Why do you think no one suspects what's really going on with Amnon? Who do you think might know (if anyone)?
- Amnon refuses to eat at first, and has her send everyone out. Why do you think Tamar consented, and why would everyone else just go along with this Amnon?
- When Amnon grabs her, Tamar gives an argument against what he's doing (duh). So what do you think of her reasons why he shouldn't? What about the king giving her to him in marriage?
- He doesn't listen and literally 'humiliates' her. Why do you think he was so radically changed in his demeanor toward her at that point?
- Why do you think his servants obeyed when Amnon commanded she be expelled?
- Tamar's robe is described here in more detail. Why do you think that is?
- What do you imagine people thought as they saw her in that robe torn, and ashes on her head, weeping?
- She goes to Absalom, and he tells her to be quiet about it. Why do you think he would do that?
- David hears of it anyway (news travels fast in Jerusalem) he was angry, but what did he do? Why do you think he didn't do anything?
- Absalom hates Amnon, but didn't say anything, and Tamar doesn't say anything because Absalom says not to. Where does that leave David to do anything about this?
- What do you think is going on in Amnon's head? What sort of person do you think he is?
- It's two years later and Absalom first invites David to the shearing. Why do you think he did that? What do you think he would have done had David come?
- Why do you think Amnon would have been a reasonable 'replacement' for the king?
- Do you think Solomon went, as one of 'all the kings sons'?
- What about Absalom giving the order to kill Amnon makes it easier for his 'servants'/'men'?
- What are all the kings sons riding around these days?
- So news reaches Jerusalem ahead of the rich-boy 'mules' they're riding, but how accurate is it?
- How do you think the news reached Jerusalem before the sons of the king?
- Jonadab is back. From what he says, how much do you think he knows about what's going on?
- Why do you think Jonadab is so sure that only Amnon is dead?
- So, how surprising do you think this should have been for David?
- No one seems to see any of this coming. Why do you think that is?
- Look up some commentaries and see if you can find anything about how 'legal' Absalom's killing of Amnon actually is.
- Why do you think Absalom go to Geshur?
- Why do you think David is so favorable to Absalom, even after he kills Amnon?
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