Toad
Alexandra asserts, “Must he ere Jacob’s child the crown inherit? /Must he, vile wretch, be set in David’s chair?/ No, David’s soul, within the bosom placed/ Of our forefather Abram, was ashamed: To see his seat with such a toad disgraced” (Act 1, Scene 2, Line 85-90). The figurative toad accentuates Herod’s unsuitability as an occupant of David’s reputable throne. Herod’s inaptness dishonors the throne instead of elevating it.
Mongrel
Mariam attacks Salome, “Thou parti-Jew, and parti-Edomite,/ Thou mongrel: issued from rejected race,/ Thy ancestors against the Heavens did fight”(Act 1, Scene 3 Lines 235-237). The figurative mongrel upholds that Salome is not a downright Jew. Hence, she is not fit to be categorized as a royalty. Only pure Jews such as Mariam are Biblically considered to be royalty’s for their forefather is Jacob. Being a Mongrel is a low-class, dishonorable status.
Black Acts
Mariam addressed Salome, “I favor thee when nothing else I say, With thy black acts I’ll not pollute my breath”(Act 1, Scene 3 lines 243-244).The allegorical ‘ black acts’ refer to Salome’s malevolence which is apparent in the acts which she exploits to upset Mariam. Manifestly, Salome does not show reverence for Mariam even though she is her (Salome’s) brother’s spouse.
