The Bath by Harry Graham (1906)

Name: The Bath
Author: Harry Graham

The story revolves around a group of men who frequent a public bathhouse, where they engage in various forms of debauchery and lewd behavior. The narrative explores the themes of masculinity, morality, and social class through the lens of these men's interactions with one another.

By Harry Graham · First published 1906 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary · 596 words

First lines

Ye citizens of common clay Who, squinting in a painful way, Remove (with grimy hands and grey) The smuts upon your noses, Come, follow me to Dover Street Where, any moment, we may meet Figures as fragrant and as sweet As new-mown hay or roses, Tripping along the primrose path That leads each member to 'The Bath'!

Ye breadwinners, who seek in vain To keep your features free from stain, When in some matutinal train To town you daily rush up, Observe the cleanly creatures, please, Who in this club recline at ease! Existence for such men as these Is one long 'Wash and Brush Up'! Perfumed and scented, combed and curled, They live unspotted of the world!

What this Textopian page supports

The Bath is listed on Textopian as a short story by Harry Graham, dated 1906 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Harry Graham
Date: 1906 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary, Humor, Victorian Literature
Length: 596 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Work identity for The Bath by Harry Graham
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The work humorously critiques societal norms and behaviors, particularly focusing on the upper class and their obsession with cleanliness and leisure.
Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes and narrative.
Social Commentary — The poem offers insights into the social practices and class distinctions of the time, highlighting the contrast between different societal groups.
Humor — The playful language and exaggerated scenarios contribute to a comedic tone throughout the piece.