Abstract: Salome is a typical representative work of aestheticism that describes the tragic fate of Princess Salome because her love to the prophet is changed into hatred. Aestheticism is the core of the whole play, but at the same time Wilde also implies moral foreshadowing in details in this play. This paper aims to study the duality of character, image and theme in the play and analyzes the dialogues to reinterpret the aesthetic value of the play. Finally, we can draw a conclusion that in the cracks of secular society, Wilde as well as the main characters in this play are all driven by the crazy love and desire to the abyss of torment and death.

Key words: Oscar Wilde; Salome; duality; aestheticism

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Duality in Characters-4

  2.1 Salome——Aestheticism vs Lust5

  2.2 Herod——Evil vs Morality-7

3. Duality in Images-8

  3.1 Moon——Purity vs Madness-8

  3.2 The Dance of Seven Veils——Corruption vs Affection 10

4. Duality in Themes-11

  4.1 Love and Death-12

  4.2 Sin and Punishment13

  4.3 Aestheticism vs Morality15

  4.5 Conclusion-16

References-18