Act 4, Scene 3 quickly reveals how horrid Herod truly is. Throughout the play, Mariam has made her disinterest in wealth and power clear. Rather, she seeks independence and pursuits a proud identity. In fact, upon greeting--if it can be called such--Herod, Mariam proclaims, "I neither have of power nor riches want, I have enough no do I wish for more" (23-24). The sorrow of losing her family members at the hands of her wretched husband cannot be overcomed by the material goods he has tried to bestow upon her. Herod is entirely oblivious to Mariam's true desires, and seems to overcompensate his shortcomings with riches and power--the two things that are deliberately out of Mariam's interest.
Herod's response makes this sentiment increasingly clear. Rather than console Mariam, he justifies his action by reminding Mariam of her grandfather's supposed intentions: "Hircanus plotted to deprive my head/ Of this long settled honour that I wear" (34-35). Not only does Herod ignore Mariam's desires, but he is enraptured by only his own. His pursuit of Mariam was motivated purely of his own interest, as is the continuance of their relationship. It is when Mariam stands against Herod's interests for her own that he decides she must be executed. Herod is merely a child throwing an extravagant temper tantrum--and it's certain that he is blinded of the consequences.
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