repetition is one of the main stylistic features of the book of esther. the three groups of banquets come in pairs; there are two lists of the king's servants; two reports that esther hid her identity; two gatherings of women; two houses for the women; two fasts; two talks by haman with his wife and friends; two sudden visits to the king by esther; two coverings of haman's face; two royal commands; two cool-downs of the king's anger; two days for the jews to protect themselves and take vengeance; and two letters about how purim started.