ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -A play by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) composed in 1891, and inspired by Stéphane Mallarmé’s unfinished Symbolist poem Herodias and by Gustave Moreau’s paintings of Salome. Initially Wilde wrote in prose, then tried a poetic version, before deciding to explore his subject in a play.

Detailed explanation-2: -Salomé is a play by Irish playwright and author Oscar Wilde. It was originally published in French in 1891. It is likely that Wilde wrote the play in French because of concerns that the subject matter would be too scandalous in English.

Detailed explanation-3: -Originally published in French, ‘Salomé’ is Oscar Wilde’s 1896 dramatization of the biblical story of Salome, the step-daughter of Herod who danced before Herod and in so doing wins the granting of any wish that Herod may be able to fulfill.

Detailed explanation-4: -In his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (published in Lippincott’s Magazine, 1890, and in book form, revised and expanded by six chapters, 1891), Wilde combined the supernatural elements of the Gothic novel with the unspeakable sins of French decadent fiction.

Detailed explanation-5: -Films based on Salome (1896) by Oscar Wilde. The play depicts the attempted seduction of Jokanaan (John the Baptist) by Salome, step-daughter of Herod Antipas; her dance of the seven veils; the execution of Jokanaan at Salome’s instigation; and her death on Herod’s orders.