Paradise by Edna O’Brien is about a woman who goes on vacation with her married boyfriend. They go on the holiday with other wealthy people. The man, who is also wealthy, has been married several times. The author mentions a daughter whom he got in his third marriage. Moreover, O’Brien gives the reader some insight about his last wife. According to the author, she was "fat" but was always complimented by her husband. Most of the other guests wonder how long their affair will last. While on holiday, the main character slowly learns to swim. In the end, the other guests will expect her to swim and show them the skills she has learned.

The protagonist, who is not named by the author, constantly thinks about swimming. Despite knowing what she is required to do while in water, she is afraid to let go. Furthermore, she has second thoughts about her affair. The man has a wife and daughter, which makes her question her morals. O’Brien writes,

Do I like all this lovemaking? she asked herself. She had to admit that possibly she did not, that it went on too long, that it was involvement she sought, involvement and threat.

Using the above passage, the author reveals to the reader that the protagonist engaged in an affair simply because she wanted excitement in her life. However, she is no longer excited about her relationship with the man.