Harris 241-244

• At what Hebrew festival is Esther read? How does the story function as an etiology (story of origin) for this holiday, which actually was borrowed from Persia?
• What is one way,according to Harris, that the story of Esther is unique among Tanakh texts?
• How are the Greek editions to Esther different from the main tale?
• Who is Haman, and what quote does Harris use to illustrate his opinion of the Jews?
• What aspects of Esther do commentators interpret as Providence at work?
• How is Ahasuereus (Xerxes) persuaded to get around Persian custom to "undo" his first decree?
• The textbook describes several bits of evidence that Esther is a work of fiction. Describe at least two.

Esther (Introduction in the Oxford NRSV)

• Under "Canonical Status" in the Oxford NRSV Introduction, the authors explain that Esther was admitted to the Hebrew canon quite late (third or fourth century CE).Why?
• Which additions to Esther do some bibles leave out? Why?
• According to the Introduction, who probably wrote Esther, and when?
• What does the introduction cite as examples of "hyperbole" (exaggeration) in this story?
• What is an example, according to the introduction, of the story's "symmetries and reversals"?

Esther

• How long is Ahasuerus's first feast in this story?
• List three examples of written edicts or records in this story.
• List three examples of feasts in this story.
• Why is Vashti's refusal treated so harshly? How is she punished?
• Describe the "cosmetic treatment" overseen by Hegai.
• How does Mordecai happen to save Ahasuerus's life?
• How does Esther get word of the danger to the Jews?
• How is Esther's plea for help from Ahasuerus a "symmetrical reversal" of what happens to Vashti? (read both episodes closely)
• How does the King learn that Mordecai saved his life?
• How is Haman's effort to plea for his life from Esther reversed or turned against him?
• Describe some of the written documents created in chapter 9 and 10.

Extra Credit: Exactly how drunk should one get during the festival of Purim? Why? (See Purim Customs and Observances).