
The City of Pleasure: A Fantasia on Modern Themes
Enriched edition. The Pursuit of Pleasure in the Modern MetropolisBy Arnold BennettLength7h 52m
About this audiobook
In "The City of Pleasure: A Fantasia on Modern Themes," Arnold Bennett intricately weaves a narrative that presents a vivid portrayal of a fictional city, serving as a microcosm of modern life in the early 20th century. The novel combines realistic details with imaginative elements, exploring themes of desire, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness amidst the complexities of urban existence. Bennett'Äôs literary style is characterized by a rich tapestry of descriptions and a keen observation of human behavior, making the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking, reflecting the societal changes of his time. Arnold Bennett, a prominent figure in early 20th-century literature, is known for his keen insights into the socio-economic shifts of post-Victorian England. His background in journalism and his experiences in industrial Stoke-on-Trent significantly influenced his views on the modern city life and its impact on personal identity and aspirations. His dissatisfaction with contemporary morality and his desire to examine the contradictions of modernity led him to create this allegorical work that challenges readers to reconcile their desires with the realities of urban living. "The City of Pleasure" is highly recommended for readers interested in the intersections of modernity and human experience. Bennett'Äôs exploration of urban life, accompanied by his unique blend of fantasy and realism, offers a profound commentary on the challenges of modern existence, making this book an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of human pleasure and ambition in an ever-changing world.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreGeneral Fiction
Length7 hrs 52 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 6, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
10CHAPTER XVII—The Man on the Balcony
2Introduction
11CHAPTER XXI—Interrupting a Concert
3Synopsis
12PART III—JETSAM
4Historical Context
13CHAPTER XXVIII—The Dead March
5The City of Pleasure: A Fantasia on Modern Themes
14CHAPTER XXXI—Unison
Show all chaptersShow less
6PART I—CARPENTARIA
15Analysis
7CHAPTER IV—Mrs. Ilam
16Reflection
8CHAPTER VIII—Disappearance of Juliette
17Memorable Quotes
9CHAPTER XIII—Performances of Mr. Jetsam