How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #7
SALOMÉ It is like the bow of the King of the Persians, that is painted with vermilion, and is tipped with coral. There is nothing in the world so red as thy mouth… Suffer me to kiss thy mouth.
JOKANAAN Never! daughter of Babylon! Daughter of Sodom! never!
SALOMÉ I will kiss thy mouth, Jokanaan. I will kiss thy mouth. (149-151)
Salomé's threat, which, frankly seems a bit childish—what's wrong with one little kiss?—is made terrible and intimidating by its intensity.
Quote #8
SALOMÉ Oh, how I loved thee! I love thee yet, Jokanaan. I love only thee… I am athirst for thy beauty; I am hungry for thy body; and neither wine nor apples can appease my desire. What shall I do now, Jokanaan? Neither the floods nor the great waters can quench my passion. (375)
There is something intensely physical about Salomé's desire—she truly hungers for his flesh. Her passion goes beyond simple metaphors.
Quote #9
SALOMÉ I was a princess, and thou didst scorn me. I was a virgin, and thou didst take my virginity from me. I was chaste, and thou didst fill my veins with fire… Ah! ah! wherefore didst thou not look at me? If thou hadst looked at me thou hadst loved me. Well I know that thou wouldst have loved me, and the mystery of Love is greater than the mystery of Death. (375)
Though her claim "the mystery of Love is greater than the mystery of Death" may sound romantic, the love Salomé speaks of is not; it is physical and sexual.