The Paradise of Bachelors and The Tartarus of Maids
The Paradise of Bachelors and The Tartarus of Maids
Book Brief
Beta256
Short Story • Fiction
London • 1850s
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In "The Paradise of Bachelors and The Tartarus of Maids," Herman Melville contrasts two settings: a luxurious gentlemen's club in London and a grim New England paper factory. The narrative explores themes of industrialization, gender roles, and societal inequality, highlighting disparities between the idyllic lives of bachelors and the arduous conditions faced by factory workers.
Contemplative
Dark
Mysterious
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
322 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Paradise of Bachelors and The Tartarus of Maids by Herman Melville juxtaposes luxury and toil. Critics praise its stark contrast and social commentary, but some find the abrupt shift disjointed. The vivid prose and compelling critique of industrialism and class are highlights, though the narrative can feel uneven. Overall, it provokes thought and discussion.
Who Should Read The Paradise of Bachelors and The Tartarus of Maids?
Readers who enjoy Herman Melville's The Paradise of Bachelors and The Tartarus of Maids likely appreciate satirical portrayals of social contrasts. Fans of Charles Dickens' Hard Times or Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter may find similar thematic elements of industrialization and human condition appealing.
322 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
"The Paradise of Bachelors and The Tartarus of Maids" is a diptych story first published in the Harper's New Monthly Magazine in 1855, showcasing Herman Melville's commentary on contrasting societal conditions.
The narrative structure of the story is divided into two distinct sections: "The Paradise of Bachelors" presents an idyllic description of carefree life in London, while "The Tartarus of Maids" reveals the grim realities faced by female factory workers in New England.
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256
Short Story • Fiction
London • 1850s
Adult
18+ years
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