We can infer from historical sources, as well as from the description of the young women in this story, that one such as Vashti would have been groomed for submission to male authority, obeisance to the king, obedience to the law, training in feminine grace and appeal, and perhaps intensive beauty treatments. Though we know little about this woman, we do know some things about the setting in which we find her. Whether or not she actually was a historical personage, she is a figure in world history and she is a predecessor to those who have made-or will make-history against the tide of cultural role expectations. Yet the narrative itself, and current interpretations of its meaning, allow us to let the spotlight linger on Vashti long enough to see in her an important character. Vashti is usually dismissed as a literary device for paving the way for Esther's entrance into the drama. The unlikeliness that a queen would exhibit such courage as to go against the king's command (even an unreasonable one) is one argument given as evidence against the historicity of this story. Yet, Vashti actually plays a key role in the story of Esther and in the history of women. However, even the anger fades quickly and Vashti is soon sidelined and forgotten. The audience may even "boo" Vashti's entrance, identifying her as a rebellious and undesirable creature. In the annual enactment of this story during the Jewish festival of Purim, young girls abjure from playing Vashti and yearn to play Esther. She was replaced in the king's harem by Esther, who takes center stage as the heroine of the tale. Mentioned briefly in the Book of Esther, Vashti was a queen whose claim to fame is that she refused to be paraded in front of a group of men and then faded ignobly from the dramatic narrative. The core of the book dates to the period of Persian dominance (539–332 bce), and its final form probably took shape in the 2nd century bce. In terms of its inclusion in the Hebrew scriptures, the story of Esther provides an explanation for the origins of Purim, a Jewish festival. Scholars today find study of the literary themes of the story to reveal important aspects of world history, even if not actual events. However, given the numerous concubines and mistresses the king enjoyed, it is not implausible for him to have had more than one queen. The fact that Amestris, rather than Vashti, is recorded as Xerxes' queen during the period under study has raised questions about Vashti's historicity. However, other details are either incompatible with known facts or considered too fantastical. Numerous features of the novella are collaborated by other historical sources, including the reign and personality of Ahasuerus, identified as Xerxes I, who was renowned for building great palaces, giving lavish parties, and displaying a bellicose temper. However, modern critics consider the major plot to be improbable, and many allow for only a kernel of historicity. The story of Esther has traditionally enjoyed historical status. Her brief, but significant, story comprises the first 27 verses of this "early Jewish novella." Vashti was the wife of King Xerxes I (Ahasuerus in the Biblical text), and she may have been associated with Persian nobility (though the wives of Persian kings were required to come from specific Persian noble families, this was not always the case). What is known about Vashti is contained in the scroll of Esther, one of the writings in the Hebrew Scriptures. Pronunciation: (Hebrew) wasti (English) Vashti. Name variations: Astin Vastis Vasthi Wasti. Queen of Persia in the Biblical story of Esther who, by defying her husband, was deposed and replaced by the compliant Esther.
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