First, I should say here that I know there's lots of commentary on the subject; I was interested in my own direct response to the text here.
What I think both you and s_and_s are saying - and perhaps correctly - is that Esther deserves more credit than I'm giving her - and I think you may be right when one includes in the practice of Purim and the midrashim, although I'm less convinced by the actual text. I'm all for reclaiming and reinterpreting Esther, but I do think that's necessary for her to be a more modern heroine.
Vashti, however, definitely gets a raw deal, as I think we all agree. And there's still this strong message about the importance of respecting and obeying your husband, which I feel uncomfortable with.
no subject
What I think both you and s_and_s are saying - and perhaps correctly - is that Esther deserves more credit than I'm giving her - and I think you may be right when one includes in the practice of Purim and the midrashim, although I'm less convinced by the actual text. I'm all for reclaiming and reinterpreting Esther, but I do think that's necessary for her to be a more modern heroine.
Vashti, however, definitely gets a raw deal, as I think we all agree. And there's still this strong message about the importance of respecting and obeying your husband, which I feel uncomfortable with.