Rachel is the wife of Jacob, the immediate ancestor of the Israelites. Her life story which is scattered in the Book of Genesis seems to show that her life was a tragedy and she was almost a loser, though she was especially beloved by her husband. But a more in-depth reading suggests that the narrative about Rachel is actually so subtle as to imply that there is another possible interpretation of Rachel as a literary character: a life of dignity and passion. Rachel’s confrontation and even wrestle with hardships presents to readers a brave and active woman image, along with her happiness, sorrow, despair and hope. Meanwhile, her life is also a symbol of tragic, but unyielding historical experience that is shared by all the early matriarchs as well as the Israelites.
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