Ester Sowernam
Sowernam interprets Esther's story in a way that allows her to prover her opinion of women being superior to men. She says thats Esther is a prime example of a woman that used her position of influence perfectly. She explains that sometimes women need to demonstrate their capacity to take direct action and use deception when necessary (HWBI, pg. 464)
Ester Sowenam's was a feminist, women's right activist and believed women to be equal and if not more superior then men. Her involvement in her community had a roll in how she interpreted the biblical story. She was a journalist and a highly respected one at that. The career was mostly male run. but that never stopped Ester to climb to the stop and always write what needed to be said at that time.
Ester Sowernam has many things in common with the biblical character Esther, which could have led to the way she interpreted the story. Esther the biblical character tricks her King (which is unheard of and very dangerous) to free her people. Ester Sowernam writes about feminism and women's rights (which was not a very popular topic in 1640's journals and papers) i hope of someday men and women are held to the same standards. Another thing these ladies have in common is bravery. Sowernam put her job on the line to be writing about women's rights and Esther out her life on the line by going to the king unannounced to ask for her people's freedom.
Many people interpreted The Book of Esther in many different ways. I think Ester Sowernam's interpretation stands of the most because of the connection she has with the biblical character. Sowernam has laid out a path for other strong women to take on the task to challenge men and their authority in the workplace or in society- Just like Queen Ester did and that is why she is known as the "The Brave Queen".
