Mary and the Other Female Characters in the Protevangelium of James

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Chapters 21-25 tell about the astrologers' visit and Herod's murder of infants, not just boys, of two years old and younger.

“Chapters 21-25 tell about the astrologers' visit and Herod's murder of infants (not just boys in this narrative) of two years old and younger.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The main character in the Protevangelium is Mary.

“The main character in the text is Mary”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Greek manuscripts have titled the Protevangelium according to Mary, for instance as The Birth of Mary: Apocalypse of James or An Account of the Birth of Theotokos.

“Greek manuscripts have titled it accordingly, for instance, as The Birth of Mary: Apocalypse of James (in the Papyrus Bodmer v from the late third or early fourth century) or An Account of the Birth of Theotokos (Georgian translation).6”

• cites [6]Not matched

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Joseph and Mary pass the drink test unharmed.

“This happens through a drink test which both Joseph and Mary pass unharmed.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In contrast to Matthew's and Luke's narratives, Joseph and Mary are followed by Joseph's sons from his previous marriage.

“In contrast to Matthew's and Luke's narratives, they are followed by Joseph's sons from his previous marriage.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In the narrative world of the Protevangelium, James is Joseph's son from his previous marriage.

“In the narrative world of Protevangelium, James is Joseph's son from his previous marriage (Prot.Jas.9.2).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The author's analysis concurs with earlier analyses that Mary's character is relatively flat and submissive and that purity is central in the narrative.

“My analysis of Mary's character concurs with the earlier analyses by acknowledging the central role of purity in the narrative and the character's relatively flat and submissive traits.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Mary's character receives some roundness through the narrator, who occasionally attributes emotions to her.

“To be sure, Mary's character receives some roundness through the narrator, who occasionally attributes emotions to her.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

After Mary is born, Anna feels greatly honored.

“After Mary is born, Anna feels “greatly honored” (ἐμεγαλύνθη, Prot.Jas.5.2).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Mary's virginity is one of the most central traits in Mary's character and has been important in subsequent Christian reception of the Protevangelium.

“Mary Virginity is obviously one of the most central traits in Mary's character and it has been important in subsequent Christian reception of the Protevangelium.26”

• cites [26]Not matched

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May combine two claims.

Anna laments and mourns for two reasons: her widowhood and her childlessness.

“When Joachim banishes himself, because of his shameful childlessness, into the wilderness to pray and fast, we learn that Anna is lamenting and mourning (Prot.Jas.2.1)37 for two reasons: because of her widowhood38 and because of her childlessness.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Anna's character is more round than Mary's, especially in contexts involving human interaction.

“The above discussion about Mary's character has already suggested that Anna's character is more round, especially in the contexts that involve human interaction.”

May combine two claims.

Mary remains silent during the adultery test, and after the test only Joseph's reaction is described.

“When Joseph and Mary are subjected to the adultery test, Mary remains silent, and after the test only Joseph's reaction is described (Prot.Jas.16).”

May combine two claims.

In the scene where Salome orders Mary to position herself for examination, Mary submits without complaints and Salome inserts her finger into Mary.

“Mary submits without complaints and Salome inserts her finger into Mary (Prot.Jas.20.1).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Anna's long song of lamentation is followed by her thanksgiving after Mary's birth.

“Anna's discussion with Juthine is followed by the most notable expressions of Anna's feelings in the Protevangelium, her long song of lamentation (Prot.Jas.3), which has its counterpart in her thanksgiving after the birth of Mary (Prot.Jas.6.3).”

May combine two claims.

In contrast to Luke's version of the annunciation, Mary does not wonder at all how she can become pregnant, but wonders if she will also give birth the usual way.

“In contrast to Luke's version of the annunciation Mary does not wonder at all how she can become pregnant, but wonders if she will also give birth the usual way (cf.Luke 1:34).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The first midwife (Anna's midwife) is a typical walk-on: she appears once, does only what a midwife is expected to do, and the narrator does not name her or disclose personal traits.

“The first midwife in the narrative is Anna's midwife.Her character is a typical walk on, she appears only once in the story and does only what a midwife is expected to do.The narrator does not name her or disclose anything about her personal traits.First-time readers or hearers of the discourse hardly remember her part.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

In the two cases where Mary defends her virginity she leaves her otherwise submissive role and stands up for her case.

“Still it is remarkable that in the two cases where Mary defends her virginity she leaves her otherwise submissive role and stands up for her case.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Mary silently receives the threads that befell her when the virgins are commissioned to weave the temple curtains.

“When the virgins are commissioned to weave the temple curtains, Mary silently receives the threads that befell her (Prot.Jas.10).”

May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

Elizabeth also shows traits of a typical female character when she hides John: she goes up to the hill country and groans because she is unable to climb due to fright, and the mountain splits to hide her and John.

“Elizabeth also shows traits of a typical female character in the next scene where she appears.When Elizabeth hears that Herod was looking for her son John, she also, like Mary, starts to look for a place to hide him (Prot.Jas.22.3).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The Protevangelium appears to refer to Zechariah as the high priest.

“The Protevangelium even appears to refer to Zechariah as the high priest (Prot.Jas.8.3, 10.2, 23.1-3).”

May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

The narrator does not describe Mary's emotions when she is given into Joseph's custody, when she faces the bitter water test, after its positive outcome, during Salome's examination, or during the actual delivery.

“The narrator is silent about Mary's emotions when she is given into Joseph's custody.We do not learn anything about her emotions when she is about to face the bitter water test, or about her relief after the positive outcome: only Joseph rejoices.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Juthine acknowledges her slave status by saying it would not be acceptable for her to use a headband with royal insignia, but she dares to reprimand Anna for mourning when the great day of the Lord is approaching.

“On the one hand, Juthine acknowledges her status as a slave by saying that in her position it would not be acceptable for her to use a headband with royal insignia.On the other hand, she dares to reprimand Anna for mourning when the great day of the Lord is approaching.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Mary remains silent when Joseph ponders how to enroll Mary for Augustus's census and leaves for Bethlehem setting her on his donkey.

“When Joseph ponders how to enroll Mary for Augustus's census and leaves for Bethlehem setting her on his donkey she remains silent (Prot.Jas.17.1-2).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Mary speaks only in five instances in the entire narrative.

“Mary speaks only in five instances in the entire narrative.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Anna shows herself more sensitive towards the child's possible emotions when she suggests Mary should not be taken to the temple at age two but a year later, so Mary would not miss her parents so much.

“She also shows herself to be more sensitive towards the child's possible emotions (of which the narrative is silent!) when she suggests that she should not be taken to the temple at the age of two but a year later.This way she would not miss her father and mother so much (Prot.Jas.7:1).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

In the third and fourth scenes, Mary defends herself in the face of Joseph's and the high priest's accusations.

“It is true that in the third and the fourth scene Mary defends herself in the face of Joseph's and the high priest's accusations.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

Anna's discussion with Juthine is loaded with emotional tension; Anna replies angrily to Juthine, and Juthine's reply is unsympathetic, saying God has already made Anna barren, which makes Anna sad.

“The following scene, where Anna converses with her slave Juthine (Prot.Jas.2.2-4),39 is also loaded with emotional tension.Anna replies angrily to her slave, who has urged her to stop mourning because the great day of the Lord40 is approaching.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Mary's actions are not essential for the plot of the Protevangelium, as previous narrative analyses have revealed.

“This seems to be the case in the Protevangelium of James where Mary's actions are not essential for the plot, as previous narrative analyses have revealed (more on this below).21”

• cites [21]Not matched

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May combine two claims.

Mary does not engage in ordinary human interaction and dialogue that would cause emotional arousal; her emotional and cognitive state is referred to almost exclusively when she encounters divine messengers or defends her virginity.

“Mary does not engage in ordinary human interaction and dialogue that would cause emotional arousal.Her emotional and cognitive state of mind is referred to almost exclusively at the points where she encounters divine messengers or defends her virginity.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Anna engages in emotional interaction and dialogue with both her slave Juthine and her husband Joachim.

“Anna, in particular, engages in emotional interaction and dialogue both with her slave Juthine and her husband Joachim.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Anna and Elizabeth include more emotional expressions and other traits considered typical of female behavior.

“Especially the characters of Anna and Elizabeth include more emotional expressions and other traits that were considered to be typical of female behavior.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The obvious reason for the Protevangelium's writing is to praise Mary.

“The obvious reason for its writing is to praise Mary”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

No sexual relations take place between Joseph and Mary, emphasized by Joseph going out to build houses immediately after receiving Mary from the Temple and leaving Mary home.

“That no sexual relations take place between them is also emphasized by relating that immediately after receiving Mary from the Temple Joseph goes out to build houses, leaving Mary home.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The Protevangelium was prepared in order to refute Jewish accusations about Mary's character, as exemplified in Origen's Contra Celsum.

“it is also generally assumed, for good reason, that the text was prepared in order to refute Jewish accusations about Mary's character as exemplified, for instance, in Origen's Contra Celsum.5”

• cites [5]Not matched

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Joseph's old age and reluctance are stated in order to make it clear that he has no sexual desires towards Mary.

“Joseph's old age and reluctance are stated in order to make it clear that he has no sexual desires towards Mary.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The Protevangelium of James was written in Greek, either in Syria or Egypt.

“It was written in Greek, either in Syria or Egypt.4”

• cites [4]Not matched

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The drink test is similar to Numbers 5:11-31, although there it is applied only to women suspected of adultery.

“The test is apparently something similar to what is described in Numbers 5:11-31, although there it is applied only to women suspected of adultery.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In chapters 17-20, the Protevangelium links up more closely with the canonical gospels.

“In these chapters the Protevangelium links up more closely with the canonical gospels.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Juthine's reply is unexpected and strikes at Anna's childlessness; she could not curse Anna more severely than God, who had already made her womb barren, so Anna is disparaged even by her own slave.

“However, Juthine's reply is unexpected.She strikes back right at the sorest point in Anna's character, her childlessness.There is no need for Juthine to try to curse Anna.She could not possibly do that more severely than God, who had already made her womb barren.In the end, Anna is disparaged even by her own slave.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The content of Mary's speech hardly surprises the audience; she simply states the plain fact that the audience has known throughout the narrative.

“The content of her speech hardly surprises the audience; she simply states the plain fact that the audience has known throughout the narrative.”

May combine two claims.

Anna's traits partly correspond to general expectations of women in antiquity: she is emotional and impulsive, and occupied with domestic arrangements related to Mary's upbringing, while Joachim is responsible for the public sphere.

“In part, the traits of Anna's character correspond to what was generally expected of women in antiquity.She is emotional and impulsive (running to Joachim and hugging him).She is also occupied with the domestic arrangements related to Mary's upbringing, while Joachim is responsible for the public sphere of life by socializing with the priests and other members of the Israelite elite.41”

• cites Carolyn Osiek and David L. Balch, Families in the New Testament WorldNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

If the Protevangelium was written in response to Jewish attacks on Mary's character and background, it was important for the author to point out that the midwives who testified to and tested Mary's virginal delivery were Hebrews themselves.

“If the Protevangelium was written in response to Jewish attacks on Mary's character and background, it was naturally important for the author to point out that the midwives who testified to-and tested-Mary's virginal delivery of the child were Hebrews themselves.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The Protevangelium of James was originally composed in response to Jewish accusations or attacks concerning Mary's reputation, character, or background.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The narrative objectifies Mary because the emphasis on Mary's purity and virginity indicates a development setting up the Virgin Mary as an object of veneration on its own.

“The narrative seems to be objectifying Mary for two reasons.First, the emphasis placed on Mary's purity and virginity is indicative of a development that is setting up the Virgin Mary as an object of veneration on its own.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Collectives and groups often exhibit stability and traits which makes it possible to distinguish them from other groups.

“Collectives and groups often exhibit stability and traits which makes it possible to distinguish them from other groups.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The purity of Mary is the overarching theme of the narrative, and virginity is only one aspect of her purity.

“as Vuong convincingly shows, the purity of Mary is the overarching theme of the narrative, and virginity is only one aspect of her purity.27”

• cites [27]Not matched

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May combine two claims.

The safeguarding of Mary's purity dominates the narrative and explains some features that are usually regarded problematic from the historical point of view.

“The safeguarding of Mary's purity dominates the narrative and explains some of its features that are usually regarded problematic from the historical point of view.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Mary's character is not totally flat; there is a curve towards roundness, but it is instigated almost exclusively in contexts where the role prepared for Mary in the divine plan is challenged in a way resembling the author's contemporary context.

“Mary's character in the narrative is not totally flat.There is “a curve towards roundness,” to use Forster's phrase (see above) but this curve seems to be instigated almost exclusively in the contexts where the role prepared for Mary in the divine plan is challenged in a way that also finds a resemblance in the author's contemporary context.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

In addition to traits, the personality of a character requires some degree of uniqueness and stability that makes it possible to distinguish the person from others.

“In addition to traits the personality of a character also requires some degree of uniqueness and stability that makes it possible to distinguish the person from others.15”

• cites [15]Not matched

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Mary's character clearly differs from other more active female characters in the Protevangelium.

“In this regard Mary's character clearly differs from other more active female characters in the Protevangelium, as becomes clear below.”

Not yet classified.

The two midwives in the context of Mary's delivery function as each other's foils, exemplifying the twofold reception Mary predicted; they are examples of belief and unbelief, share Hebrew ancestry, and are eventually vindicated.

“The two midwives function as each other's foils, exemplifying the twofold reception Mary predicted when she was riding Joseph's donkey.Besides being examples of belief and unbelief the most important trait that the midwives share is their Hebrew ancestry.Both are also eventually vindicated.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

Anna's reply suggests Juthine is socializing with disreputable persons and presents a double challenge to Juthine's integrity: Anna does not trust Juthine's account of the headband's origin, and Anna hints there is something sinful in how Juthine received it.

“Anna's reply suggests that Juthine is socializing with disreputable persons: a trickster may have given the headband to Juthine.This suggestion presents a double challenge to Juthine's integrity.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

As groups function like characters they appear at the flat end of the round-flat continuum.

“as groups function like characters they appear at the flat end of the round-flat continuum.20”

• cites [20]Not matched

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Mary dwells undefiled in the temple just as her womb will later provide a pure dwelling for the Son of God.

“She dwells undefiled in the temple just as her womb will later provide a pure dwelling for the Son of God.”

May combine two claims.

When Mary is allowed to speak she voices the theological ideas of the author, who most probably was male.

“On the contrary, it seems that when Mary is allowed to speak she voices the theological ideas of the author who most probably was male.34”

• cites [34]Not matched

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May combine two claims.

Mary does not feel any pain in delivery, in line with the author's theological ideal, but even any expression of joy is lacking, in contrast to Joachim's and Anna's reactions when Mary was born.

“That she does not feel any pain is in line with the author's theological ideal but it is notable that even any expression of joy is lacking in stark contrast to Joachim's and Anna's reactions when Mary was born (Prot.Jas.4-7).”

May combine two claims.

All important decisions about Mary's future are made on Anna's initiative; when Anna questions Joachim's initiative to take Mary to the temple at age two, she makes herself equal to Joachim.

“Nevertheless, I find it remarkable that all the important decisions about Mary's future are made on Anna's initiative.In particular, it should (also) have been the father's task to decide about the future of his children, and when Anna questions Joachim's initiative to take Mary to the temple at the age of two,42 she makes herself equal to Joachim in this regard.43”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Juthine's character shows interesting features and contrasts, all the signs of a round character.

“Despite her brief appearance, Juthine's character shows interesting features and contrasts, all the signs of a round character (Prot.Jas.2.2-3).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

It is hard to take Mary's character as a role model of an individual who speaks out with her own voice displaying courage and strength.

“Against this background it is hard to take Mary's character as a role model of an individual who speaks out with her own voice displaying courage and strength.33”

• cites [33]Not matched

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May combine two claims.

The twofold reception in the narrative does not distinguish Christians from the people of Israel; the dividing line is between believers and non-believers.

“The dividing line is not drawn between “Christians” and the “people of Israel” but believers”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Mary's speeches add something to her character, but it is questionable how much depth there actually is.

“Surely Mary's speeches add something to her character, but it is questionable how much depth there actually is.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The author assumed the audience knew who Elizabeth was, so he provided no introductory information about her.

“The author considered it unnecessary to provide any introductory information about Elizabeth.He must have assumed that the audience knew who Elizabeth was.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Mary's first dialogue with Gabriel makes it clear for the audience that she will not just miraculously become pregnant but will also deliver the baby unlike any other woman.

“Mary's first dialogue with Gabriel makes it clear for the audience that she will not just miraculously become pregnant but will also deliver the baby unlike any other woman.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Walk-ons can function as a foil that adds depth to other characters' personality by providing contrast to their traits.

“For instance, walk-ons can function as a foil that adds depth to other characters' personality by providing contrast to their traits.”

May combine two claims.

In contrast to Mary, Anna's character actively contributes to the plot; Anna, not Joachim, initiates key decisions about Mary's future.

“In contrast to Mary, Anna's character actively contributes to the plot of the narrative.It is Anna who originally promises to give the child as a gift to the Lord (Prot.Jas.4.1; in 7.1 Joachim agrees with this) while Joachim expresses his gratitude by offering generous sacrifices (Prot.Jas.4.3-4).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Elizabeth's impulsive reaction when hearing Mary knocking-tossing aside the scarlet thread, running to the door, and opening it-conforms to what was expected of female characters.

“The scene that introduces Elizabeth's character exemplifies the same traits that are also observable in Anna's character: When Elizabeth hears Mary knocking at the door she “tossed aside the scarlet thread, ran to the door, and opened it for her.”Her impulsive reaction conforms to what was expected of female characters.46”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Mary's purity is made comparable to the purity of the temple.

“In this way Mary's purity is made comparable to the purity of the temple.30”

• cites [30]Not matched

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

This pattern of behavior is related to the aim of the Protevangelium to picture Joachim and Anna as a pious couple, prefigured in the stories of Abraham and Sarah and of Hannah and Elkannah.

“This pattern of behavior is obviously related to the aim of the Prote- vangelium to picture Joachim and Anna as a pious couple, prefigured in the stories of Abraham and Sarah as well as of Hannah and Elkannah.”

May combine two claims.

Anna is the character who steers the plot; if there is a character that provides an example for active women, it is Anna, not Mary.

“When events are pushed in motion Joachim does fulfill his responsibilities in the public sphere, but Anna is the character who steers the plot.Therefore, if there is character that provides an example for active women, it is Anna, not Mary.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The way that characters act reveals some traits of their personality.

“The way that characters act reveals some traits of their personality.13”

• cites [13]Not matched

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Characterization and plot are tied closely together since characters of narrative, if not providing mere background, are active agents that contribute to causality and sequence in the narrative.

“Characterization and plot are tied closely together since characters of narrative, if not providing mere background (see below), are also active agents that contribute to causality and sequence in the narrative.12”

• cites [12]Not matched

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Mary mostly has a submissive role in the narrative.

“Mary mostly has a submissive role in the narrative.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The midwives' personalities remain relatively flat and serve mainly the author's theological goals; the undefiled daughters are even more so, functioning as collective walk-ons whose characterization is exhausted in their title and who give credence to the author's claim about Mary's purity.

“Although the scenes where the midwives appear are quite colorful, the characterization of their personalities remains relatively flat, serving mainly the theological goals of the author.Even more so is in the case of the undefiled daughters of the Hebrews.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The environment and social context where a character appears makes it possible for the audience to make inferences about the personal traits of the character.

“The environment and the social context where a character appears also makes it possible for the audience to make inferences about the personal traits of the character.14”

• cites [14]Not matched

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The points where the Protevangelium's characterization of Elizabeth differs from Luke's seem either theologically motivated or based on typical female stock traits.

“The author uses Luke's discourse word for word at several points, but he is not at pains to harmonize his own discourse with Luke.The points where his characterization differs from that of Luke seem to be either theologically motivated or based on typical female stock traits.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The overall narrative coheres with patriarchal structures and male dominance.

“It is perhaps not surprising that the overall narrative coheres with patriarchal structures and male dominance.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Juthine's character is more complex than Vuong suggests: she partly functions as a foil but also offers correct advice when she reminds Anna about the upcoming joyous festival.

“In this regard, I agree with Vuong (Gender and Purity, 74-75), but I do not think that Juthine offers “continued misinterpretations” of Anna's situation.Juthine's character is more complex.She partly functions as a foil (as Vuong suggests) but she also offers correct advice when she reminds Anna about the upcoming joyous festival.”

• cites Vuong, Gender and PurityNot matched

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In contrast to synoptic infancy narratives, the Protevangelium gives more space to the history of John the Baptist's parents.

“in contrast to synoptic infancy narratives, gives more space to the history of John the Baptist's parents.”

May combine two claims.

Juthine plays the same part as Peninnah in 1 Samuel: her words make Anna sad and lead to her lamentation, while the discourse also highlights Anna's steadfastness and piety.

“It is generally acknowledged that Juthine is playing the same part as Peninnah, Elkannah's wife, who had children and who used to provoke Hannah because of her childlessness (1 Samuel 1).In 1Samuel, Peninnah drives Hannah to despair and prayer.This also happens in the Protevangelium: Juthine's words make Anna sad and lead to her lamentation in the Protevangelium 3.”

• cites 1 Samuel 1Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Mary's birth pangs anticipate the birth of the Lord and metaphorically the birth of a new group of believers who receive him and rejoice.

“Her birth pangs do not only anticipate the birth of the Lord, but metaphorically also the birth of a new group of believers who receive him and rejoice.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

When Mary speaks out, she speaks out for the author's case; she can remain silent and submissive if that best serves the author's goals.

“To put it simply, when Mary speaks out, she speaks out for the author's case.On the other hand, she can also remain silent and submissive if that best serves the author's goals.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The undefiled daughters of the Hebrews serve the same purpose as the midwives: Mary's purity was secured by reliable daughters of the Hebrews.

“The “undefiled daughters of the Hebrews” who entertained Mary in her home sanctuary and escorted her to the temple at the age of three serve the same purpose: Mary's purity was secured by the reliable daughters of the Hebrews.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The undefiled daughters of the Hebrews and the Hebrew midwives are relatively flat characters resembling Mary; their main function is to give credence to the author's central claims about Mary's purity and virginity.

“The undefiled daughters of the Hebrews and the Hebrew midwives are also relatively flat characters.In that regard they resemble Mary's character.Their main function in the narrative is to give credence to the author's central claims about Mary's purity and virginity.”

May combine two claims.

Mary's character is subjugated to the promotion of the male author's theological agenda, and in the process Mary becomes less feminine-or more masculine.

“Mary's character is subjugated to the promotion of the male author's theological agenda.In the process, Mary also becomes less feminine-or more masculine, depending on one's point of view.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The implied author of the Protevangelium of James is male.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The Protevangelium contributes to this process by emphasizing Mary's extraordinary purity.

“The Protevangelium of James contributes to this process by emphasizing Mary's extraordinary purity.”

May combine two claims.

Instead of taking Mary's flat and submissive traits as the author's technique to highlight her active points, the sterile and passive outlook of Mary indicates a development where Mary is being made an object of veneration and simultaneously defended against Jewish accusations.

“Instead of taking the flat and submissive traits of Mary's character as the author's technique to highlight the points where Mary takes a more active role, I suggest that the sterile and passive outlook of Mary is indicative of a development where Mary is being made an object of veneration and simultaneously defended against Jewish accusations.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The Protevangelium of James was originally composed in response to Jewish accusations or attacks concerning Mary's reputation, character, or background.

May combine two claims.

Anna's initiatives and actions are crucial for plot development; if there is a role model for active women in the Protevangelium, it is Anna, not Mary.

“Anna's initiatives and actions are also crucial for the plot development.If there is a role model for active women in the Protevangelium, it is Anna, not Mary.Since Anna is Mary's mother, the contrast in the traits of their characters is all the more striking.”