Abstract
M.A.
This mini-dissertation focuses on women's roles in ancient Near
Eastern societies, with special emphasis on a feminist view of the
effects of patriarchal ideology on these roles. While there is no clear
cut indication of the literary classification of the book of Esther,
commentators generally view it either as wisdom literature or
didactical literature. A critical-rhetorical analysis suggest that it
warrants a classification as novella or short tale, specifically of the
'carnivalesque' genre. This dissertation highlights the various roles
played by Esther during the reign of Persian King Xerxes, and how she
adapts her persona in accordance with situations as they arise. It is
argued that Esther adopts several personae in attempting to survive
and overcome barriers, presented by a patriarchal society such as,
inter alia, her femaleness and her Jewishness.
It is further suggested that, although she achieves emancipation as a
Jewess, she fails as a woman to achieve complete freedom from
discrimination and male domination.