The Seventh Veil of Salome

1950s Hollywood and Judea in the 1st century CE are very different settings. Compare and contrast these two locations and historical periods, paying particular attention to the status of women. To what extent do the 20th-century female characters enjoy greater freedom and agency? What constraints and challenges do they still face?

Moreno-Garcia alternates between different character points of view: Some of the characters narrate in the first person, while other sections are narrated in the third person. What is the impact of these alternating narrators? Why are the sections set in Judea narrated only from Salome’s point of view?

Why is Nancy consumed by jealousy? Which of Vera’s attributes makes Nancy particularly resentful? How do Nancy’s experiences in her career and relationships prime her to become jealous and violent?