Ester

Abstract

The play by František Vodseďálek, Ester, was written in the early 19th century and thus belongs to the late popular baroque. Vodseďálek based it on the dyadic principle, which is manifested in the structure of the drama in two parts, as well as in the excessive number of pairs of characters. The auctor inserted into an Old Testament story scenes from peasant life. They are set fairly regurarly, produce the sujet rhythm, and become the only source of comic effect in this drama. The play is further characterized by a quick change of settings. Vodseďálek’s dependence of the Book of Esther is rather free.