1) cites the fact that Esther was thrust "into whoredom by her uncle." White (166-7) makes the point that Esther's joining Ahasuerus's harem is hardly her choice. Indeed, the text makes clear that Esther does not have much choice about the course of her life until she seizes power at a decisive moment. In her obedience to Mordecai with regard to joining Ahasuerus's harem and with regard to suppressing the secret of her Jewishness, Esther can be contrasted with Vashti, Ahasuerus's insubordinate queen. Indeed, Esther acquiesces in virtually every request that her good uncle makes of her, even when she has become queen and even when obedience to Mordecai is undertaken in specific anticipation of peril. When Mordecai sends her a copy of Haman's edict with a request that intercede with Ahasuerus for the Jews, she explains that it is court policy for no one to enter "the king's presence in the inner court unbidden; [because] there is one law only: that person shall be put to death, unless the king stretches out to him the golden sceptre" (4.11). Mordecai will
...