Oscar Wilde's Salomé is a strange and beautiful poison of a play. Written in French, it reimagines the Biblical tale of John the Baptist's death with Wilde's signature flair for the dramatic and the decadent.

The Story

King Herod Antipas, ruled by his lust for his young stepdaughter Salomé, throws a lavish feast. From a cistern, he keeps the prophet Iokanaan (John the Baptist) imprisoned for criticizing Herod's marriage. Salomé, bored and curious, becomes obsessed with Iokanaan—not with his message, but with his beauty and his rejection of her. When Herod, in a drunken state, promises Salomé anything she desires if she dances for him, she seizes her moment. Her famous 'Dance of the Seven Veils' becomes a bargaining chip for the most horrifying prize imaginable.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a history lesson. It's a psychological thriller in verse. Wilde gives Salomé a voice and a terrifying agency. She's not a passive pawn but a calculating figure who understands the power she holds over the men who desire her. The dialogue is hypnotic, full of repetition and vivid imagery (the moon is practically a character itself). It explores dangerous ideas about obsession, the corruption of power, and the high price of forbidden desire. You can read it in one sitting, but it unpacks in your mind for much longer.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love Gothic atmosphere, poetic language, and morally complex characters. If you enjoy the intense drama of Shakespeare's tragedies or the lush, dark aesthetics of the Symbolist movement, you'll find a lot to love here. It's also a fascinating glimpse into Wilde's own genius and the themes that would later contribute to his downfall. Approach it like a rich, dark chocolate—intense, slightly bitter, and utterly unforgettable.