In the case of Salomé, it's not so much sex as lust, lust, lust.
Crazy rabid desire manifests itself in many different ways: in the innocent longing of the young Syrian (aww), in the incestuous lust of Herod (eww), in Salomé's first stirrings of passion for Jokanaan (okay, sure), and in her final, self-destructive kiss of his severed head (aiiiiiiighh).
The problem is, no one in the play seems truly capable of expressing their love. Indeed, the Syrian's innocence only leaves him vulnerable and, ultimately, leads to death. It's just as extreme a result as Salomé's murderous smoochin'…it's just a little less shocking.
Questions About Sex
- Can we explain why Salomé becomes enthralled with Jokanaan so suddenly?
- Clearly the young Syrian's attraction to Salomé isn't perverse like Herod's, but is it completely innocent?
- Jokanaan is constantly accusing Herodias of being depraved, and yet she never seems to be lusting after anyone, or to be demonstrating any kind of sexual desire at all. Why is that?
- Why is Jokanaan so disgusted by Salomé and her desires?
Chew on This
Desire animates every action in Salomé; without it, there would be no play to speak of.
Salomé cannot be blamed for her actions; her lust is ultimately a force of nature, something totally beyond her control. She must simply follow it to its natural end.