1. Read the book summarizing the main theme(s)
2. Summarize the historical situation of the book
3. Summarize the canonical—theological context of the book

Structure of narrative passages

1. What is the controlling theme of the story?

Identify controlling theme by theme statements:

• Divine commands, covenants, revelations, visions…
  
• Summary statements in the narrative or dialogue

2. Identify

• key people
  
• key actions
  
• key terms and theological/cultural concepts:

3. How does the narrative fit into the broader argument/themes of the book?

Why is the narrative placed where it is?

4. Identify important sub-plots