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Evaluating the Sources of 2 Nephi 1:13–15: Shakespeare and the Book of Mormon

TitleEvaluating the Sources of 2 Nephi 1:13–15: Shakespeare and the Book of Mormon
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsSmith, Robert F.
JournalJournal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture
Volume22
Issue2
Pagination98-103
KeywordsAuthorship; Plagiarism; Shakespeare, William; Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Abstract

The early and persistent claim that Joseph Smith quoted Shakespeare in the Book of Mormon fails to take into account the broader context of sources. Much closer parallels than Shakespeare are available in the Bible as well as in ancient Near Eastern literature. Indeed, the constellation of ideas about death expressed in 2 Nephi 1:13–15 fits that ancient Near Eastern context in several powerful ways—ways that belie the claim that Joseph Smith plagiarized Shakespeare.
URLhttps://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol22/iss2/9

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Book

Journal of the Book of Mormon and Restoration Scripture 22/2 (2013)

Table of Contents

Scripture Reference

2 Nephi 1:13-15