The Lamentation of Abel (oil on canvas). (2014). In Bridgeman Images (Ed.), Bridgeman images: The bridgeman art library. London, UK: Bridgeman.
Thesis
There are several interpretations of the story of Cain and Abel through psychosocial, ethical and literary-historical perspectives. The Story of Cain and Abel is analyzed and interpreted in contrasting ways throughout different religions and cultures. The purpose of this website is to examine three interpretative approaches to the Cain and Abel story: the psychosocial, the ethical, and the literary-historical.
Literary-Historical
Though the Cain and Abel story has its roots within the Hebrew Bible, it has been adopted by different faiths as well. The interpretations and translations of this story generally conform to the beliefs and laws of respective religions. |
PsychosocialPsychologists and therapists have used the story of Cain and Abel as a guide to understanding sibling-related psychosocial phenomena; these include sibling rivalry, estrangement, and conflict. Different interpretations of the story are brought about by social motivations and potential psychological analysis and the potential that other psychological issues had an impact on Cain's fratricide. |
Ethical Motivations The author of Genesis never indicates the true motivations behind the sacrifices to God and the murder of Abel, however, more modern authors have provided different potential motivations. |
Spada, Leonello, 1576-1622. Cain slaying abel.
Noël Coypel. late 17th century. The reprobation of cain after the death of abel.
Mellin, Charles,ca.1597-1649. Sacrifice of abel.
Noël Coypel. late 17th century. The reprobation of cain after the death of abel.
Mellin, Charles,ca.1597-1649. Sacrifice of abel.
OUR GOALTo show the different interpretations of the traditional Cain and Abel story. Website By: Shea Hassett, Abbie Thurlow, Maryclare O'Meara, Matt Branagan, Katie Rosseel, Bridget Reilly |
"Italy, Campania, Caserta Province, Sant'Angelo in Formis, Basilica of San Michele (Saint Michael), Right Aisle, Stories of the Old Testament with Cain and Abel, Fresco, 1072-1078, Detail". 2014. In Bridgeman Images, edited by Bridgeman Images. London: Bridgeman.