The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde's only novel: a beautiful young man stays unchanged while his hidden portrait records age, cruelty, and guilt.
Read our takeSalome
Oscar Wilde
Salome
by Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde's one-act tragedy, written in French, in which Salome demands the head of the prophet Jokanaan after he rejects her.
- 1893
- Wry
- funny
- plot-driven
- voice-driven
About Oscar Wilde
The story, briefly
Spoiler-freeSalome is a one-act play based on the biblical story of Salome, the stepdaughter of Herod Antipas. Salome desires the imprisoned prophet Jokanaan, who rejects her. After dancing for Herod, she claims the promised reward: Jokanaan's head. Wilde wrote the play in French, and the first production took place in Paris in 1896 because British censorship blocked its stage performance.
The story, in more detail
The French text appeared in Paris in 1893. The 1894 English edition, associated with Lord Alfred Douglas's translation, became famous for Aubrey Beardsley's black-and-white drawings, though Wilde and Beardsley did not share one artistic plan.
The language repeats images of moon, skin, hair, blood, and precious materials until desire sounds like ritual. The play is short, but its pattern is deliberately intense and unlike the conversational society comedies.
The play
A young Syrian guard watches Salome while Salome watches Jokanaan, whom Herod keeps imprisoned beneath the terrace.
Herod promises Salome anything if she dances. She uses the promise to demand Jokanaan's head, refusing every substitute Herod offers.
Why we recommend it
Why it matters
It is Wilde's strongest tragedy and his most important work written in French.
Where it fits
Read it beside The Picture of Dorian Gray for the darker side of beauty and possession.
What this book explores
Timeline
1893
The original French text appeared in Paris in 1893. The illustrated English edition followed in 1894, and the first production opened in Paris in 1896.
Modern editions
Editors continue to publish the work alone and in collections; introductions and notes explain the relevant performance or textual history.
Book editions
Hardcover
- Hardcover
- Librairie de l'Art indépendant
- 1893
Reader reviews
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Oscar Wilde
The Sphinx
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Read our takeSalome: frequently asked questions
What is Salome by Oscar Wilde about?
Salome is a one-act play based on the biblical story of Salome, the stepdaughter of Herod Antipas. Salome desires the imprisoned prophet Jokanaan, who rejects her. After dancing for Herod, she claims the promised reward: Jokanaan's head. Wilde wrote the play in French, and the first production took place in Paris in 1896 because British censorship blocked its stage performance.
When was Salome published?
The original French text appeared in Paris in 1893. The illustrated English edition followed in 1894, and the first production opened in Paris in 1896.
Should I read Salome first?
Usually not. Start with The Importance of Being Earnest for comedy, The Picture of Dorian Gray for fiction, or The Happy Prince and Other Tales for short stories, then return to Salome.