The poetics of power and submission: discursive constructions of patriarchal authority in ‘The Fighting Cricket’ and the Binding of Isaac

This paper investigates the poetics of power and submission in two culturally distinct narratives: ‘The Fighting Cricket’ from Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio and the biblical account of the Binding of Isaac. Both stories explore the intricate dynamics between paternal authority and individual agency, depicting the human father as a figure caught between divine and sovereign commands. While the divine and sovereign fathers embody absolute power, the human fathers navigate their submission through acts of choice and resistance, revealing a fragile yet significant claim to agency. Through a comparative literary analysis, this study examines how these narratives represent the interplay of power, sacrifice and familial duty, shedding light on the cultural and historical contexts that shape these themes. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the universal and culturally specific dimensions of power and submission in literature, offering fresh perspectives on the ways in which paternal authority is constructed, contested and internalized.