The second narrative pattern of “shame → honor” begins with the characters in a respectable state (see figure 4.2). But as the story develops, their status is threatened and shame appears imminent. Their status may be jeopardized by personal sin, or by external factors like a skin disease or military invasion. After the Israelite cries to the divine Patron for deliverance, God eliminates the threat of shame and vindicates their honor. God reverses their social position. Such stories conclude with an increase of honor for the main character(s), not simply a return to the original state.
