While reading Megillat Esther, it is easy to see that J.T. Waldman is very creative in his artwork. Throughout the book, Waldman is careful to follow Biblical and Rabbinic texts that give detail on the characters and their surroundings. One example of this is his attention to detail such as the linens, columns, gold and silver sofas, marble, and precious stones drawn on pages 10 and 11.
While Waldman is careful about what he draws, he is creative about how he draws it. He uses multiple ways of framing such as page 109 where Esther is drawn within a flower, surrounded by the faces of other characters. Hebrew words often surround the characters in a framing effect such as Mordechai on page 74, or divide frames such as pages 88 and 89.
On pages 92 and 93 King Xerxes’ dream is drawn in a cluttered swirl of random pictures. This symbolizes his distress as well as the turning point in the story. As discussed in class today, this might parallel the turning around of the events in the story that is the basis of the Purim festival.
In addition to the creative drawing style, Waldman includes sub-stories within the story. These seem to address conflicts in the Hebrew Bible over the birthright and lineage of the Messiah. I believe Waldman is suggesting that these conflicts between the tribes of Israel were ended when the Judeans were given power by the Persian king. However, I am not quite sure if this is his conclusion or why they were added in.
I would also Agree that Waldman took very creative steps into making his Graphic novel. It's almost liked he stepped back in time or lived through the events of the book of Esther. His graphic novel follows the Biblical/Hebrew text of Esther very close and very little is changed (except for humor/interludes).
ReplyDeleteYour last point in the paragraph is really interesting. I never thought to look at that relation before. Do you have any other evidence for what you think Waldman's opinion is? I'm curious!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, there is nationalism in the story of Esther. This is actually part of what I am writing on for the paper. There are many themes of power during the diaspora. Carly if you're interested I have a great journal about the themes of power in the book of esther. There is power and gender, power of fear, sociological issues abound, and the end brings us to nationalist ideals. I find it striking and altogether intriguing that the book of esther was as much about the lesson portion as it was the overall power and resilience of a nation. There is also the continuance of previous themes of being "chosen". In short yes there is a lot of good stuff in the story.
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