Graphic adaptation of Salome

Author: P. Craig Russell

Title: Adaptations of Pelleas & Melisande; Salome; Ein Heldentraum; Cavalleria Rusticana

Form: graphic novel

Published: 2004

Location: United States

Reflections:

Craig Russell’s introduction references Oscar Wilde’s play and Richard Strauss’ opera and reputations of “shocking depravity” of these works. His narrative interpretation focuses on the young Salome’s decadent upbringing and lack of compassion. Her attraction to John the Baptiste is first spiritual (ethical) because she hears his voice before seeing his physicality.

Russell references traditional dynamics where men dominate attractive women with predatory gazes through illustrations of Salome assessing the scantily clad men around her and their clear discomfort in her presence.