Mark’s young man – the key to the ending?

Abstract

Using narrative criticism as the primary methodology, this paper argues that Mark’s use of the term ‘neaniskos’ (‘a young man’) in his resurrection narrative provides the key to understanding the ending of his gospel at 16:8. The words, clothing and position of the young man all contribute to understanding his role, especially when compared to the other young man in 14:51, with whom he appears to be in narrative relationship. The presence of the young man at the tomb, and the contrast with the young man in 14:51, enables the ending at 16:8 to be seen not as a problem to be solved, but as the intended and powerfully provocative conclusion to Mark’s narrative.