The Structure of Megillat Esther

"His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate" (Ps. 7:16)

Toward the conclusion of Megillat Esther, there is a description of the reversal that takes place in the narrative: "...On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned, and it was the Jews who overpowered their enemies" (9:1). The turning of the tables is also expressed in the reverse parallel literary structure of the entire narrative (as demonstrated in the attached diagram). The first half of the story (1-7) describes Haman's rise to power, which leads to the king's agreement to do his bidding, and threatens the Jewish people with annihilation. This part of the narrative ends with the proposal to hang Mordekhai, put forth by Haman's advisors. In a symmetrical contrast, the second half of the story (9-15) describes Esther and Mordekhai's rise to power, Haman is hung on the very tree he had prepared for Mordekhai, and his edicts are abolished. The second part of the narrative also begins with words of advice by Haman's advisors.