Gustave Flaubert was a French novelist born in 1821. He played a major role in the ?realist school? in French literature. His best-known work was Madame Bovary which led to a trial on the novel?s alleged immorality. Herodias tells the story of the execution of John the Baptist. This ornate yet realistic tale tells the story of Judaea and Rome. Herod and Herodias are feasting when they hear in the background from the cistern the imprecations of John the Baptist. After John is executed Salome dances and is given his head as a reward. . When his head is later found with the remains of the banquet three of John?s disciples find it and set out for Galilee.