Explores the short diaspora story of Esther, primarily in its Hebrew form, but with recourse to its two extant Greek versions. Attention will be given to the story’s historical and cultural contexts, literary development and characterization, as well as its uneasy place in scriptural canons. Considers a range of interpretative approaches including those of feminist, postcolonial, and trauma studies. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent.