Considering the drastic change in Judith's demeanor pre and
post-beheading, I think the major dramatic question is "Will Holofernes's
murder alter Judith's control?" A major theme of this piece is the concept of
control (control of fate, control of discussion, control of situations), and
the shifts in control between Holofernes, Judith, and the Servant are what
drive the plot forward. At the start of the play, Holofernes seems to dominate
the conversation, as he makes bold statements that prompt Judith and the Servant
to respond with their personal remarks, such as opening with “Tonight I want to
talk about death,” and declaring “I have no sympathy.” His inherent power as a general is outwardly expressed, and his dominating voice in the conversation is understood by Judith and the Servant. Towards the middle of
the play, the Servant seems to have power over both Judith and Holofernes, as
it is she who is able to talk Judith out of her stupor and kill Holofernes by
shouting “He is smiling! He is smiling!” Directly after the beheading of
Holofernes, Judith loses all self-control and appears to be driven to madness,
as shown by her personal observation of “I was a silly cunt there,” and her
overwhelming desire to “fuck with him.” With this, Judith's temporary resignation of power puts the Servant in control of their relationship. Finally, the end of the play sees
Judith with full control and power, as shown by her severe nature towards the Servant, demanding
the Servant to “put [her] teeth against [Judith’s] shoe,” and to clean the
bloody sword “with [her] hair.” Considering all of the power shifts that
quickly occur throughout the play, Holofernes’s death certainly changes
Judith’s physical, mental, and emotional control, as she transforms from an average woman,
to an insane mourner, to a vindictive war hero.
I agree with the point you make about shifts in power. When I read the play, I also realized this shift in power but I didn't realize until now that it is the Servant who initiates that switch. She, at first, speaks for Judith, allowing Holofernes to feel extremely powerful over Judith. The Servant almost makes it seem as if Judith is too weak/shy to start conversation. Then, it is again the Servant who convinces and pushes Judith the kill Holofernes. And when neither Judith nor Holofernes has any power, the Servant takes it on and makes Judith gain it all. I feel like the Servant is the vessel for the transferring of power shifts.
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