Esau’s Gender Crossing
Esau’s Gender Crossing
Parashat Toldot (Genesis 25:19–28:9)
This chapter provides a queerly interpretation of Esau's character in the readings of Parashat Toldot of Genesis. Esau is one of the twin sons of Rebekah who was known for his large and hairy appearance. The account of Esau reveals that his depiction, as stereotypically masculine hunter, is inaccurate. Instead, he possesses a stereotypically feminine character: emotional, kindly, and subservient. This feminine Esau continually approaches life with innocence, only to be shoved aside in favor of his savvier, cool, and street-smart little brother. Both the Biblical text itself and rabbinic midrash on the story contain gender in versions, in which Esau rejects his overtly male description and legacy in favor of “classically female” choices.
Keywords: Parashat Toldot, Genesis, Esau, stereotypically feminine character, stereotypically masculine hunter
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