Includes bibliographical references (p. [199]-220) and indexes.

1. Interpretive History. Allegorical Interpretation. Literal Interpretation. Bridal Chamber Imagery -- 2. Integrative Literary Methodology: A Proposal. Traditional Literary Approaches. Conceptual Literary Approaches. Integrative Literary Approach -- 3. Primary Interpretive Imagery. Song's Introduction: A Proleptic Summary. Bridal Chamber Inclusio. Primary Imagery Paradigm -- 4. Secondary Interpretive Imagery. Transitional Images. Tension Motifs. Literary Synthesis.

"This book proposes that the Song of Songs contains an inclusio and implicit paradigm of nuptial images representing the ANE bridal chamber, which functions as an interpretive framework for understanding the Song's love poetry. This proposal is based upon the formulation and application of a hybrid literary methodology that incorporates essential elements from both traditional literary approaches and more recent understandings of conceptual metaphor.

The resultant methodology accounts for the uniqueness of the Song's highly metaphorical poetry and supplies a framework for assessing other significant imagery. This newly formulated "poetics" of metaphor effectively overcomes methodological deficiencies in previous literary studies of the Song."--BOOK JACKET.