Figure Analysis
A daughter of Ahab, Athaliah uses the death of her son Ahaziah as an excuse to take power for herself. She massacres everyone else in her family and attempts to rule alone, seizing total power for herself. Fortunately, one of her grandchildren—the infant Joash—is rescued by his aunt, Jehosheba. He survives and lives to become a great king. The priest Jehoiada helps protect Joash and also orchestrates the death of Athaliah, who is dragged out of the Temple yelling "Treason!" and put to death outside.