Salome
When we visited the Kunsthal in Rotterdam, I was impressed with an exposition of tapestries they were showing. And wanted to use some of them as inspiration for writing exercises or a short story.
There was one colourful and very imaginative piece called 'Salomé danse pour Hérode', representing the New Testament story of Salome dancing in front of king Herod, based on a painting by the French Marcel-Béronneau.
As the story goes, the king was so impressed with the girl that he promised her anything, even half of his kingdom. Her mother, Herodias, made her ask for the head of John the Baptist. Earlier, John had condemned the king's second marriage to Herodias, and was kept in the dungeons below while the party was going on. So his head was brought in on a silver platter, right after the girl's request.
The original story
There are many surprising anecdotes in the New Testament, and the story of John's beheading is certainly one that always baffled me. So many unanswered questions. Like:
- Why are the king and all his guests watching his wife's daughter dance? Little awkward.
- What is it about the girl's dance that impresses the king so much, that he promises her anything, even half of his kingdom?
- Why does Herodius tell her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist? Yes, he condemned their marriage, but it's a little after the fact, they're already together. And there are so many other things Herodias could have asked for.
- Why does the daughter comply to her mother's wish? Wouldn't she rather have had a pony or a new dress or a private pool, or something else girls her age really like?
You might have some questions of your own concerning the motives of Herod, Herodias and Salome.
A new angle
In his painting, Marcel-Béronneau gives his interpretation of what was going on at that time. Some of the details of his work seem to give a twist to the original story.
For example, have a closer look at Salome:
Doesn't she look fierce? This detail gives me the impression that Salome played a bigger role in the story than only dancing in front of the king and then fulfilling her mother's wish. She looks powerful, she's taller than the guard even, her head at level with the king's. Powerful, and cold.
And then there's the detail of Herod and Herodias sitting together. Their expression gentle, their body language conveying intimacy. Very different from Salome's cold, stiff posture. The king doesn't seem very interested in Salome, his eyes are all on his queen.
Alternative Motives
The New Testament story raises questions about motive. And while standing in front of Marcel-Béronneau's interpretation of it, I felt this urge to try and write a story that would provide an alternative motive for the strange events of that day.
I really like picking out a certain element of story writing, something to focus on, an area in which I want to improve my writing skills. Motive is such an element. Usually hinging on our characters' flaws, motive has everything to do with what our characters go through, for them to evolve.
So at the moment, I'm working on a short story about Salome and the beheading of John the Baptist. It's getting there, but still needs some fine-tuning. In the meantime, I think this could be a real fun challenge for others to join in on, too! After all, for me at least, the reason for being on Hive and part of this community is to learn to become better at writing, together with all of you. Reading each other's work and reflecting on it is an important part of that.
So here goes my first ever official Hive Contest!
Contest
This contest is about MOTIVE. In reading your stories, I'll be looking for a story that makes me understand WHY (the king promises Salome half his kingdom after seeing her dance / Herodias wants John's head on a plate / Salome listens to her mother and requests John's beheading).
The motive doesn't have to be realistic, per se. It can be wild, and imaginative. But try to make us, your readers, believe your reasoning based on what we learn about your characters and their flaws and how they evolve.
Putting out a contest is new to me, so if I'm in anyway doing things wrong, please let me know. Here's how you can join and how entries will be rewarded:
How to join
- Write a story of at least 300 words, and pay attention to motive
- Post your entry to the Inkwell Community, where other fiction writers can also find it
- Start your title with "An Alternative Motive:", and then add your story title
- Post the link to your story in the comments below
Since this is a first, I'll have to see if this prompt works for getting people's imagination running. If we get at least three entries, then the contest is ON!
- Deadline for your entry is Monday 21 September
- On Thursday 24 September, at the latest, I will announce the winner of the 10 Hive!
I'm really looking forward to reading your stories! Or any other feedback on why this contest does or does not work, also much appreciated!
And will be sharing my own take on the story shortly. Which will NOT be considered an entry to the contest, of course.
Hope you have fun playing with motive!
Finishing off with just one final tapestry detail, showing how this piece of art was put together, thread by thread.
