Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Seven Veils of Salome: Salome, Dancing," Rita Dove explores the character of Salome in the midst of her infamous dance, revealing her inner thoughts and motivations in a performance that is typically portrayed as merely sensual and manipulative. Through this poem, Dove provides a profound insight into Salome's psyche, portraying her as a complex figure who is both aware of and actively exploiting the power dynamics at play in her environment.

The poem begins with Salome's lament that while she is often seen, she is not truly perceived: "I have a head on my shoulders but no one sees it; no one reckons with a calculated wrist or pouting underlip." This opening acknowledges her frustration with being underestimated and objectified, hinting at the intelligence and strategy behind her actions, which are overlooked by those who see only her physical beauty and the allure of her dance.

Salome's self-awareness is further emphasized as she claims to have "navigated this court’s attentions" and expresses her determination to prove that she "can be crueler than government." This declaration is powerful, positioning her not just as a dancer but as a player in the political and power games of the court. She vows to use what nature has given her—her body and her emotional depth, described vividly as "oiled curves and perfumed apertures"—to manipulate and control the situation to her advantage.

The imagery of the dance itself is dynamic and potent, with Salome describing her performance as one that will make everyone "lose their heads." This phrase plays on the literal outcome of her dance—the beheading of John the Baptist—as well as the metaphorical loss of control experienced by those who watch her. The descriptions of the audience, including "nobles slobbering over their golden goblets, the old king sweating on his throne, my mother in the doorway, rigid with regret," are vivid and charged with emotion, each character reacting in a way that underscores the impact of her performance.

Salome's relationship with her mother, Herodias, is also crucial in this moment. Herodias is described as "rigid with regret," suggesting a complex mixture of emotions, including possibly guilt for putting her daughter in this position or fear of the consequences of the dance. Salome's rhetorical question, "O Mother, what else is a girl to do?" is a poignant reflection on the expectations placed upon her and the limited agency she possesses within the confines of her societal and familial roles.

While the use of a modern cliche “what else is a girl to?” can elicit a momentary chuckle or nod of recognition from the reader, it also serves to underscore the bleakness of Salome's situation, highlighting the absurdity of her limited agency in the face of overwhelming familial and political pressures. The humor here is subtle and serves to enhance the complexity of Salome's character and the depth of her predicament.

Through this poem, Dove captures the essence of Salome as a tragic figure, a young woman caught in a web of power, desire, and political intrigue. Salome uses her dance not merely as a performance but as a statement of power and control, a means to assert her agency in a world that seeks to define her solely by her physicality. The poem is a rich exploration of themes such as visibility, agency, manipulation, and the intersection of personal and political power, all conveyed through the lens of a young woman who understands the stakes and is determined to claim her place within them.

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