The role and portrayalof the king in the Esther narrative : a narratological-synchronic reading of the Masoretic text of the Esther narrative

Abstract

The question of the composition and unity of Esther continue to be a matter of debate as Esther studies of the last two decades show. This debate has, however, been conducted primarily perspective. from a historical and critical The latter half of this century, and the last three decades in particular, has seen the emergence of newer approaches to the text of Scripture. These approaches, influenced by the developments in literary theory, have resulted in an emphasis on the text as a literary unity and have encouraged a synchronic reading of biblical texts. I believe the questiop of the composition and unity of Esther can be fruitfully approached using these newer literary approaches. A literary reading of Esther, which demonstrates that it is a narrative unity, is done. The literary reading is synchronic in nature, and demonstrates that chiasticreversal underlies the whole of the Esther narrative. Moreover, careful attention is given to the literary devices of chiasmus and characterisation, which make a significant contribution to the narrative unity of Esther because of the inseparable link, which exists, between these literary elements. This inseparable link derives from the fact that the chiasmus found in Esther is characterised by the reversal of the positions, fortunes, and destinies of the main characters. Furthermore, the role and portrayal of the king is germane to the narrative unity of Esther beca~se intrinsic to the chiastic-reversal pattern in Esther is the role of the king in reversing the positions, fortunes and destinies of the main characters. Consequently his role will receive special attention. In addition, as a character, he can be seen as the glue of the narrative unity of Esther because of the pivotal role he plays in the story's chiastic-reversal pattern. It therefore follows that the way the narrative characterises him must receive attention. In this regard 'traditional' stereotypical descriptions of the king are discussed critically and a fresh perspective· of his character is offered.