Further to the analysis undertaken using the R function stylo() previously, I was interested in examining whether there was any information to be gained by looking at specifically the Gospel according to John.
I noted that the stylo() function had been revised and was currently not able to function using MAC OS; nevertheless, utilising a Linux machine running Ubuntu, some functionality was obtained.
I had found another source of gospel material which suggests that it uses Koine Greek, an issue noted in the previous analysis.
I was expecting the Prologue from Chapter 1 to show some difference in the phraseology than the other sections. Perhaps the possibly added elements of Chapter 8 to be highlighted, or that Chapter 21 may appear to have some form of separation.
Typically it has been discerned that there are four sections in the Gospel: the prologue in the first part of Chapter 1; the Book of Signs from Chapter 1:19 until Chapter 12:50; the Book of Glory until Chapter 20:31; and then the epilogue in Chapter 21.
Although the Chapters 1 and 21 are shown to be separate, they are also linked to Chapters 9, and then 18 and 19. Why would the language of being arrested and sentenced have similarities with the Christological prologue? There does appear to be some similarity between Chapters 14, 15, 16 and 17.
When we look at the Principal Components, the key elements, Chapter 21 does appear to be alone, but so does Chapter 2. Again Chapters 14-17 appear linked. This could well be the ‘Farewell Discourse‘, terminated by Christ’s arrest in Chapter 18, marking a distinct change in terminology.
The conclusion drawn is that although stylometric analysis has its place but there is little discernible information gained in this analysis. It is far too easy to have a priori assumptions which we then tend to look to prove, rather than utilise the data provided to examine for trends and to gain understanding.
I wish that the MAC OS would link to the latest R update seamlessly.