The thesis shows that the Song of Songs can be read as a circular sequence of sub-poems, that follow logically from one another if they are understood as contributing to two main points, made in a woman's voice. The woman urges men to take romantic initiative to be committed exclusively and for life, and urges women three times to wait until they are approached by such men. If this reading is the best explanation of the text of the Song, then the Song is a unified work centered on a woman singing about human romantic love from a woman's perspective. ""Alastair Haines presents a masterful examination of the purpose and function of Song of Songs within the biblical canon. Through in-depth analysis of the literary structure of the book, character presentation, and the kind of language utilized, he brings a fresh appreciation of the rich textures within the book and its enduring importance within the biblical canon."" --David J. Cohen, Head of Biblical Studies and Lecturer in Hebrew Bible and Language, Vose Seminary, Australian College of Theology Alastair Ian Haines is an independent researcher in the theology of gender. He has also had articles published in other areas of interest. He lives in Sydney with his wife and son and attends church with an ethnically Indonesian congregation.