1、 Introduction: Analysis of Writers and Their Works

Australian author Coetzee's "Jesus Trilogy" includes "The Childhood of Jesus," "The Student Days of Jesus," and "The Death of Jesus," exploring human nature, life, and redemption through the perspective of the child David. The story begins with David and Simon starting a new life in Novira, David studying digital mysticism in Estrella, and David's final days in the orphanage, showcasing his complex relationships and inner world with the people around him. Foreign scholars interpret works from allegorical, cross-cultural, and Christian perspectives, while domestic scholars focus on writing about new immigrants, family ethics, and postmodern refugees. Although Coetzee avoids religious preaching, religious discourse is indispensable in exploring the lives of characters. This article adopts Frye's prototype theory to analyze the themes of escape, trial, and redemption in the work, and explores the symbolic significance of the life and death fate of the protagonist David.

2、 The "Jesus Series" works are based on the Bible as a source of imagination

Although Kuche's "Jesus Trilogy" does not directly reference elements from the Bible in its naming, it is closely related to the image of Jesus in essence. The name of the protagonist David is related to Jesus in the Bible, and his innate and divine qualities are particularly evident in The Death of Jesus, such as his rare blood type and belief in heaven. The roles of Ines and Simon respectively correspond to the Virgin Mary and the righteous Joseph, constructing a family structure similar to Jesus' childhood. Simon's character development suggests a transition from denial to awakening, while Ines' image contrasts with Maria's innocence and dignity. Frye's prototype criticism theory holds that literature originated from mythology, and the Bible is the source of literary imitation. Kuche's works use the Bible as a source of imagination, replacing and transforming the theme of Jesus' suffering, reflecting the author's humanistic concern and literary connection with Jesus. The image of Jesus is portrayed in the work as an innocent sacrifice, echoing the narrative in the Gospels of the New Testament.

3、 Surface Structure: Plot Themes and Theme Prototypes

Deeply explored the plot themes and thematic prototypes of the surface structure in Coetzee's "Jesus Trilogy". Frye's prototype theory states that prototypes are units that repeatedly appear in literature and have contractual associations, while permutations are a diachronic state in the development of literature. Kuche rewrites myths and metaphors to make his works conform to contemporary morality and social norms, in order to express emotions or pay attention to society.

4、 Deep Structure: Narrative Structure and Symbolic Meaning

Coetzee's "Jesus Trilogy" portrays a thematic prototype similar to the suffering of Jesus in the Bible through the tragic ending of the protagonist David. The narrative structure of the novel draws on Frye's prototype criticism theory, dividing the narrative process into comedy, legend, tragedy, and satire, corresponding to spring, summer, autumn, and winter respectively, symbolizing the protagonist's life cycle. The narrative structure of the trilogy presents a modernist plot pattern of autumn and winter, highlighting the image of insignificant characters struggling in a lonely world.