Oscar Wildeâs play Salome is a twist on the execution of John the Baptist, fuelled by motives of lust and slaughter. Wildeâs interpretation is deeply rooted in the Biblical story of Salomeâs dance to please Herod and her motherâs plea for John the Baptistâs head. Wildeâs twist on the biblical story focuses on the personality of Salome and the hypersexual implications.