Questions about Megillat Esther

1. What would Esther have done to counteract the decrees against the Jewish people if Mordechai hadn't ordered her - the language of the Megillah - to act? (It's interesting that in the beginning he commands her, and thereafter, when she takes charge and steps up to the plate, she orders him in turn, and he dutifully abides.)

2. After Esther agrees to act, the Megilla states that he, i.e. Mordechai passed before her. Why does it say that, if he wasn't with her, and the communication between them was taking place by proxy, messengers who were sent back and forth?

3. Why did Esther have no clue about the decrees? Mordechai even sent her a copy of the edict to corroborate that what he was saying was true, and so that he could show it to Achashveirosh.

4. When Achashveirosch consented to eradicate the nation Haman had claimed was posing a threat, did he know that they were called the Jewish people?

5. When Achashveirosh commands Haman to honor Mordechai he calls him "Mordechai the Jew." Was that really what he called him, or is there a veiled reference to something deeper?

6. How did Charvonah know the tree put up in Haman's courtyard was intended for Mordechai?

7. In the beginning, it says Haman returned home and called for his admirers, and his wife. When disgraced leading Mordechai, he comes home, and his wife, and admirers are already there. When he relates what happened, his wise men pipe up. Who were they, where did they come from, what were they doing there?

8. Why were the sons of Haman killed? Was that part of Achashveirosh's blanket permission, or edict, for the Jewish people to defend themselves, or was there another dictate on the part of Achashveirosh giving them free license to kill them? Also, what was Achashveirosh's intent when giving the Jewish people permission to defeat their enemies? Was it only if they themeselves were attacked, or were they allowed to take a more forceful proactive approach in seeking out their enemies even if the latter were passive and had no intent to attack? Then, if so, which category did Haman's sons fall into? It is hard to believe that after seeing their father hanged on the king's orders that they had the gumption, and gall, to try to avenge his death.

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