Cyberdov

Tamar wowed me with another idea from Daniel Tropper. What is the purpose of Yehuda’s ‘recap’  of the whole story, as he pleades for his brother Binyamin’s freedom?

First of all, it seems that Yosef has been dropping hints (whether intentionally or not) that he is not who he seems - for example, he seats them in age order; he surreptitiously returns their money; and generally, he treats them much differently than the other people who come from abroad to buy food. And recall that Yehuda is the one brother who might be expected to see through Yosef’s disguise, for he has already been in such a situation, having been tricked by his daughter-in-law who disguised herself as a harlot.

Perhaps Yehuda finally saw through the disguise. His monologue to Yosef is shot through with multiple references to their father and his brothers. He just goes on and on until Yosef finally breaks down and reveals himself.

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