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Jews who rise to power in a foreign land and use their position to save their families or people.
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Descendants of Rachel – Yosef her son, and Mordechai from the tribe of Binyamin.
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The cure precedes the illness: Yosef is in position before the famine begins. Esther becomes queen and Mordechai saves the king before the ascent of Haman.
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The Yosef story reaches a climax when Yehuda approaches him and pleads on behalf of Binyamin. The megillah turns when Esther approaches Ahashverosh at the risk of her life.
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The revealing of character: Yosef to his brothers and Haman to Ahashverosh.
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Discovery of sexual overtures/intrigue from Mrs. Potifar to Yosef and from Haman toward Esther.
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Yosef brings his family to Pharaoh, who grants them land. Esther reveals her relationship to Mordechai and Ahashverosh places Mordechai in charge.
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The story of Yosef tells about the economic plan and the megillah tells us that Ahashverosh placed a tax on the lands he controlled.
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Each narratives feature reversals when the king cannot sleep.
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Each narrative has a recurring event which moves the story forward: the dreams of Yosef and Pharaoh and the parties of Ahashverosh involving Vashti and Esther.
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The role of God is not overt in either narrative.
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The Yosef narrative leads into servitude and ultimate redemption.
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The Esther story leads to power but in unredeemed exile, perhaps hinting at a hoped for future redemption.
