Salomé: A Tragedy in One Act

Name: Salomé: A Tragedy in One Act
Author: Oscar Wilde

By Oscar Wilde

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About This Book

A short, single-act tragedy depicts a princess's obsessive passion for a condemned prophet held beneath the palace. Her infatuation intensifies through confrontations in which the prophet denounces her and directs her toward spiritual salvation, while her sensual demands culminate in a ritual dance that compels the ruler to grant a macabre request: the prophet's severed head. The piece unfolds as a stylized, symbolist sequence of tableaux and ritualized speech that melds biblical allusion with decadent imagery, using sparse stage directions and repeated refrains to explore desire, power, voyeurism, and the corrosive effects of illicit longing.

About the Author

Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet, playwright, and novelist, renowned for his wit and flamboyant style. He is best known for his plays, including "A Woman of No Importance" and "An Ideal Husband," which showcase his sharp social commentary and exploration of morality. Wilde's literary contributions extend to essays and poetry, with works such as "De Profundis" reflecting his personal struggles and philosophical insights. His unique voice and aesthetic ideals have left a lasting impact on literature, making him a key figure in the Victorian era and a celebrated part of literary heritage.