Summary of Salome

Love, lust, and fatal desires in the biblical tale of Salome.

How Do You Learn Best?

Note: You can explore any or all of these paths in any order you prefer!

Salome in 10 Minutes

Introduction

Introduction

Enter the world of Oscar Wilde's Salome, a dark and twisted tale of love, desire, and revenge. Set in the time of King Herod, this play follows the story of Salome, the stepdaughter of Herod, as she becomes consumed by her infatuation with the prophet Jokanaan. As the drama unfolds, secrets are revealed, passions ignite, and tragedy looms on the horizon.

Unveil the layers of deceit and manipulation as Salome navigates the dangerous waters of Herod's court in her quest to obtain what she desires most. Wilde's masterful storytelling weaves a tale of obsession and downfall that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final curtain falls.

Join us as we delve into the complexities of Salome's character, the intricate relationships that bind the characters together, and the ultimate consequences of their actions. Discover the power of Wilde's words as he crafts a story that challenges societal norms and explores the darker side of human nature in this captivating summary of Salome.

Salome

Salome

Salome is the daughter of Herodias and stepdaughter of King Herod. She is a seductive and manipulative young woman who becomes infatuated with John the Baptist and demands his head on a silver platter in exchange for performing the Dance of the Seven Veils.

King Herod

King Herod

King Herod is the ruler of Judea and stepfather to Salome. He is portrayed as weak-willed and easily influenced by those around him, particularly Salome and Herodias. He is ultimately responsible for the death of John the Baptist.

Herodias

Herodias

Herodias is the wife of King Herod and mother of Salome. She is a vengeful and cunning woman who manipulates her husband and daughter in order to achieve her own desires, eventually leading to the downfall of John the Baptist.

John the Baptist

John the Baptist

John the Baptist is a prophet who condemns King Herod and Herodias for their immoral behavior. He becomes the object of Salome's desire and is ultimately beheaded at her request. His death serves as a catalyst for the tragic events that unfold in the play.

The Request for the Head of John the Baptist

The Request for the Head of John the Baptist

Salome, the stepdaughter of King Herod, becomes infatuated with John the Baptist and desires to have him for herself. After John rejects her advances, Salome seeks revenge and asks King Herod for his head on a silver platter.

The Dance of the Seven Veils

The Dance of the Seven Veils

King Herod is captivated by Salome's dancing and promises to grant her any wish. Salome chooses to have the head of John the Baptist brought to her, as requested earlier.

The Delivery of John the Baptists Head

The Delivery of John the Baptists Head

The executioner presents Salome with the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter, fulfilling her gruesome desire. Salome is satisfied with the outcome and gazes upon the severed head with delight.

The Horror of Herod

The Horror of Herod

King Herod is horrified by Salome's request and is filled with regret for agreeing to it. He laments his decision and is haunted by the image of John the Baptist's head on a platter.

The Banishment of Salome

The Banishment of Salome

King Herod orders for Salome to be banished from his kingdom as punishment for her cruel and vengeful actions. Salome is cast out and left to live in exile, away from the palace.

The Final Dance of Salome

The Final Dance of Salome

In her exile, Salome dances one last time, but this time it is a dance of despair and regret. She is consumed by guilt and remorse for her role in the death of John the Baptist.

The Tragic End of Salome

The Tragic End of Salome

Salome's guilt and sorrow eventually lead to her demise as she is overcome by her own emotions. The once proud and vengeful princess meets a tragic end, alone and abandoned.

The Lesson of Vanity and Revenge

The Lesson of Vanity and Revenge

Salome's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity and revenge. Her obsession with power and control ultimately leads to her downfall and serves as a warning to others who seek to harm those who reject them.

The Legacy of Salome

The Legacy of Salome

Despite her tragic end, Salome's story lives on as a classic example of the consequences of selfish desires and vengeful actions. Her tale continues to be retold as a reminder of the destructive nature of pride and envy.

In conclusion, Salome by Oscar Wilde is a dark and twisted tale of love, lust, and revenge. The story explores themes of desire, power, and the destructive nature of obsession.Through vivid imagery and intense emotions, Wilde captivates the reader with his portrayal of Salome's descent into madness. The play serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the consequences of unchecked desires and the dangers of pursuing forbidden love.

1 / 19

Lesson Details & Resources

In a Nutshell

  • What: ‘Salome’ by Oscar Wilde
  • When: Written in the late 19th century
  • Who: Salome, King Herod, John the Baptist
  • Theme: Forbidden desires and the consequences of obsession

List of Characters in Salome

  • Salome

    Salome is the daughter of Herodias and the stepdaughter of Herod. She becomes infatuated with Jokanaan, the prophet.

  • Herod

    Herod is the ruler of Galilee and is obsessed with Salome.

  • Herodias

    Herodias is the wife of Herod and mother of Salome. She manipulates her daughter to achieve her own desires.

  • Jokanaan

    Jokanaan is a prophet who condemns Herod and Herodias' actions. He becomes the object of Salome's desire.

Timeline of Salome

Salome's stepfather, King Herod, throws a lavish banquet.

Salome dances for King Herod and his guests.

King Herod is captivated by Salome's dance and offers her a reward.

Salome asks for the head of John the Baptist on a platter as her reward.

King Herod is reluctant but grants Salome's gruesome request.

John the Baptist is beheaded.

Salome receives John the Baptist's head on a platter.

Salome takes the head of John the Baptist and presents it to her mother.

Vocabulary List

Salome
The title character of the play, Salome is a complex and enigmatic figure who becomes infatuated with John the Baptist.
John the Baptist
A prophet who denounces the immoral actions of King Herod and is ultimately beheaded at the request of Salome.
Herod
The ruler of Judea, Herod is depicted as a weak and morally corrupt man who is easily manipulated by those around him.
Dance of the Seven Veils
A seductive dance performed by Salome for Herod, which ultimately leads to her demanding the head of John the Baptist as a reward.
Decapitation
The act of cutting off someone's head, which is a central theme in the play as it is the fate of John the Baptist.
Desire
A strong feeling of wanting or longing for something, which drives the actions of Salome as she becomes obsessed with John the Baptist.
Taboo
A social or religious custom that is prohibited or forbidden, such as the relationship between Salome and John the Baptist.
Obsession
An unhealthy fixation on someone or something, which is a prominent theme in the play as Salome becomes consumed with desire for John the Baptist.
Fatal attraction
An intense and dangerous attraction between two people, often leading to tragic consequences, as seen in the relationship between Salome and John the Baptist.
Tragedy
A dramatic genre that depicts the downfall of a noble character, which is exemplified in the tragic fate of John the Baptist in the play.

Key Facts

This is the information used in the fact matching game

  • - Salome is a play written by Oscar Wilde in 1891.
  • - The story is based on the biblical tale of Salome, the stepdaughter of Herod Antipas.
  • - Salome is infatuated with John the Baptist, also known as Jokanaan.

  • - Salome demands the head of Jokanaan on a silver platter as a reward for dancing for Herod.
  • - The play explores themes of desire, power, and obsession.
  • - Wilde originally wrote Salome in French, but it was later translated into English.

  • - It was the first biblical drama to be performed in England since the Middle Ages.
  • - Salome was initially banned in England due to its provocative nature.
  • - The play premiered in Paris in 1896, with Sarah Bernhardt in the title role.

  • - Wilde's lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, inspired the character of Salome.
  • - Salome's dance, known as the Dance of the Seven Veils, is a central element of the story.
  • - The play's language is highly poetic and decadent, characteristic of Wilde's writing style.

  • - Salome's obsession with Jokanaan becomes increasingly violent and disturbing throughout the play.
  • - The play explores the corrupting influence of power and desire on individuals.
  • - Wilde uses symbolism and imagery to evoke a sense of darkness and decadence.

  • - Salome's demand for Jokanaan's head reflects her desire to possess him completely.
  • - The play's initial reception was mixed, with some praising its artistic merits and others finding it scandalous.
  • - It has since become one of Wilde's most famous works and a staple of theatrical repertoire.

  • - Salome has inspired numerous adaptations in literature, opera, and film.
  • - The play continues to be studied and performed worldwide for its exploration of human nature and the consequences of unchecked desire.

Analysis & Significance

Impact on Literature

Oscar Wilde’s play “Salome” has had a lasting impact on literature by pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling and challenging societal norms. Its unique blend of decadence, eroticism, and religious themes paved the way for future works that explored taboo subjects and blurred the lines between good and evil.

Enduring Themes

The themes of desire, power, and manipulation in “Salome” still resonate with modern audiences today. Wilde’s exploration of the dark side of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition continue to captivate readers and provoke thought on the complexities of human relationships.

Cultural Significance Today

“Salome” remains culturally significant today for its bold portrayal of female sexuality and its influence on art, literature, and popular culture. The play has been adapted into various forms, including operas, ballets, and films, cementing its place in the canon of queer literature and continuing to inspire artists around the world.

Salome Games

Was This Lesson Helpful?

Please log in or sign up to rate this lesson. 

Take Your Learning Offline

Want a convenient, print-ready study guide for this lesson? Become a Memory Wizards Pro member to unlock the downloadable " Memory Scrolls" for this topic and our entire library!

  • ✓ Complete Vocabulary Lists
  • ✓ Key Facts & Timelines
  • ✓ Beautifully Formatted for Print & Mobile
Upgrade to Pro

You must be logged in to provide feedback. Please log in or create a free account.

Scroll to Top