“The Swimmer” is a short story written by John Cheever, first published in The New Yorker in 1964. The story follows the journey of Neddy Merrill, a well-off suburbanite, who decides to swim his way home through the backyard pools of his neighbors. As he progresses through the pools, he encounters different people and events that gradually reveal the darker aspects of his life.
“The Swimmer” is often considered an allegory about decline, the aging process, and the life cycle. An allegory is a symbolic representation through characters or events of truths or generalizations about human existence. In allegories, people, places, and events often have more than one meaning—that is, they can stand for more than one thing. The story’s central symbol, Neddy’s journey through the pools, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitability of aging and death.
Origins and Authorship
Historical Context
“The Swimmer” is a short story written by American author John Cheever and was first published in The New Yorker magazine in 1964. The story is set in the affluent suburbs of Westchester County, New York, during the 1960s, a time when suburbanization was rapidly increasing. The story reflects the social changes that were taking place in America at the time, such as the rise of consumer culture and the decline of traditional values.
Author’s Background
John Cheever was an American novelist and short story writer who was born in 1912 in Quincy, Massachusetts. Cheever was known for his portrayal of upper-middle-class suburban life in his works. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1979 for his collection of short stories titled “The Stories of John Cheever.” Cheever’s own life was marked by personal struggles, including alcoholism and infidelity. These experiences are reflected in his writing, including “The Swimmer.”
Plot Overview
Main Characters
The Swimmer is a short story that revolves around the life of Neddy Merrill, a middle-aged man who is an affluent resident of an upper-middle-class suburb. Neddy is the protagonist of the story, and he is the only character that appears in almost every scene. Throughout the story, readers get to learn more about Neddy’s life and his relationships with his family, friends, and neighbors.
Setting
The story is set in an affluent suburban neighborhood in an unspecified location in the United States. Neddy Merrill decides to swim across all the pools in his county, which are located in the backyards of his neighbors. The story takes place during the summer, and the weather is hot and sunny. The setting of the story is significant because it represents the American Dream and the pursuit of happiness.
Narrative Arc
The Swimmer has a circular narrative arc, which means that the story ends where it begins. The story starts with Neddy Merrill at a pool party, and it ends with him at his home pool. The narrative arc of the story is significant because it represents the cycle of life and the inevitability of aging. Neddy’s journey from pool to pool represents his journey through life, and each pool represents a stage in his life. The story’s narrative arc is also an allegory for the American Dream and the pursuit of happiness, which is never-ending and cyclical.
Thematic Analysis
Themes of Time and Change
In “The Swimmer,” the theme of time and change is central. The story takes place over the course of a single afternoon, yet the protagonist, Neddy Merrill, experiences a profound transformation. As he swims through the various pools in his affluent neighborhood, he becomes increasingly disoriented and disconnected from reality. The passage of time is marked by the changing weather and the fading light, which creates a sense of foreboding and melancholy.
Throughout the story, it becomes clear that Neddy is not the same man he was when he began his journey. He has lost his sense of purpose and direction, and his relationships with his friends and family have deteriorated. This theme of time and change is reinforced by the use of symbolism and imagery, which serve to highlight the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of aging.
Symbolism in “The Swimmer”
Another important theme in “The Swimmer” is the use of symbolism to convey deeper meaning. One of the most prominent symbols in the story is water, which represents both life and death. As Neddy swims through the various pools, he is confronted with his own mortality and the impermanence of life. Similarly, the changing weather and the fading light serve to underscore the transience of human existence.
Another important symbol in the story is the swimming pool itself, which represents the artificiality and emptiness of Neddy’s affluent lifestyle. As he moves from one pool to the next, he is confronted with the emptiness and loneliness of his existence, and the realization that his material possessions cannot bring him true happiness.
Overall, “The Swimmer” is a powerful allegory that explores the themes of time, change, and the fleeting nature of life. Through the use of symbolism and imagery, the story conveys a profound message about the human condition and the search for meaning and purpose in an ever-changing world.
Literary Devices
Allegorical Elements
In “The Swimmer,” John Cheever uses allegory to explore the theme of the American Dream. The main character, Neddy Merrill, represents the pursuit of the American Dream, as he sets out to swim across his affluent neighborhood, stopping at each of his neighbor’s pools along the way. However, as he progresses through his journey, he realizes that his dream may not be as attainable as he once thought. Through the use of allegory, Cheever comments on the disillusionment and emptiness that can come with the pursuit of material wealth and status.
Use of Imagery
Cheever also employs vivid imagery to convey the theme of disillusionment in “The Swimmer.” The pools that Neddy swims in represent the different stages of his life, from his youth to his middle age. As he progresses through the pools, the imagery becomes darker and more ominous, symbolizing the decay and deterioration of his life and relationships. The use of imagery helps to create a sense of foreboding and tension, contributing to the overall allegorical nature of the story.
Metaphors and Similes
In addition to allegory and imagery, Cheever also employs metaphors and similes to convey the theme of the American Dream. For example, the suburban home with a fence and a lawn is a widespread symbol of the American Dream, representing economic stability and social respectability. However, as Neddy progresses through his journey, he realizes that the dream may not be as attainable as he once thought. By using metaphors and similes, Cheever is able to create a sense of irony and critique of the American Dream.
Character Development
Protagonist’s Journey
The protagonist of “The Swimmer,” Neddy Merrill, undergoes a transformation throughout the story. At the beginning of the story, he is portrayed as a confident, wealthy, and popular man who is well-liked by his friends. However, as he embarks on his journey to swim across the various pools in his neighborhood, he begins to experience a sense of isolation and disconnection from the people around him.
As he swims from pool to pool, he becomes increasingly disoriented and unsure of his surroundings, and his once-confident demeanor begins to falter. By the end of the story, he is left alone and confused, having lost his sense of identity and purpose. This transformation highlights the theme of the story, which is the fragility of the human condition and the impermanence of life.
Supporting Characters’ Roles
The supporting characters in “The Swimmer” play a crucial role in the development of the protagonist. Each character that Neddy encounters on his journey represents a different aspect of his life and personality. For example, the Levys represent his past, while the Hallorans represent his present, and the Biswangers represent his future.
Through his interactions with these characters, Neddy is forced to confront his own flaws and weaknesses. The characters also serve as a mirror for Neddy, reflecting back to him the different aspects of his personality and the various stages of his life. This helps to further emphasize the theme of the story, which is the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of change.
Overall, the character development in “The Swimmer” is a key element of the story’s success. By portraying the transformation of the protagonist and the role of the supporting characters, the story is able to explore complex themes in a nuanced and engaging way.
Cultural Impact
Influence on Literature
John Cheever’s “The Swimmer” has had a significant impact on literature. The story’s allegorical elements have served as inspiration for many writers. The use of water as a symbol of life and death, as well as the theme of the American Dream, have been explored in various works of literature.
One notable example is the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The character of Jay Gatsby, who is determined to win back his lost love and achieve the American Dream, shares similarities with Neddy Merrill, the protagonist of “The Swimmer.” Both characters are consumed by their desires and ultimately meet a tragic end.
Adaptations and Interpretations
“The Swimmer” has also been adapted into various forms of media, including film and television. In 1968, a film adaptation of the story was released, starring Burt Lancaster as Neddy Merrill. The film received critical acclaim and is considered a classic.
The story has also been interpreted in various ways by scholars and critics. Some view it as a commentary on the emptiness of suburban life, while others see it as a critique of the American Dream. The story’s ambiguous ending has also sparked debates among readers and scholars.
Overall, “The Swimmer” has left a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. Its allegorical elements and themes continue to resonate with readers and viewers today.
Critical Reception
Initial Reviews
When “The Swimmer” was first published in The New Yorker in 1964, it was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised John Cheever’s writing style and his ability to capture the essence of suburban life, while others found the story to be too depressing and lacking in substance. However, despite the mixed reviews, the story gained popularity and has since become a classic piece of American literature.
Modern Critique
In recent years, “The Swimmer” has been the subject of much critical analysis and interpretation. Some critics have focused on the story’s use of allegory, seeing it as a commentary on the human condition and the passage of time. Others have focused on the story’s themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the emptiness of suburban life.
One common interpretation of “The Swimmer” is that it is an allegory for the stages of life. The protagonist, Neddy Merrill, begins his journey full of energy and optimism, but as he moves from pool to pool, he becomes increasingly tired and disillusioned. This can be seen as a metaphor for the aging process and the gradual loss of vitality that comes with it.
Overall, “The Swimmer” has received a great deal of critical attention over the years, and its status as a classic of American literature is well-deserved. Whether viewed as an allegory for the human condition or simply as a poignant portrait of suburban life, the story continues to resonate with readers today.
Reader’s Takeaway
After reading John Cheever’s “The Swimmer,” readers may come away with a variety of interpretations and takeaways. Some may view the story as a commentary on the emptiness of suburban life, while others may see it as a cautionary tale about the dangers of denial and avoidance.
One possible takeaway is that the story is an allegory for the human condition. Just as Neddy Merrill swims through a series of pools, encountering various obstacles and setbacks along the way, so too do people navigate their lives, encountering challenges and setbacks that they must overcome.
Another possible takeaway is that the story is a reflection of the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of aging. Neddy’s journey through the pools can be seen as a metaphor for the passage of time, with each pool representing a different stage of his life. As he progresses through the pools, he becomes increasingly exhausted and disoriented, suggesting that time is catching up with him and that he can no longer outrun his mortality.
Overall, “The Swimmer” is a rich and complex story that invites readers to engage with it on multiple levels. Its allegorical nature and thought-provoking themes make it a powerful work of literature that continues to captivate readers today.