A Criticism of “The Swimmer”

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John Cheever in “The Swimmer” uses much symbolism for his character and the voyage that this story must take. Neddy Merrill, the speaker of “The Swimmer” represents in the beginning of the piece the model of the American male of the time period in which the story was written. As the story progresses, however, symbolism is substituted for references to the nature of Cheever’s character. To be more specific, Neddy Merrill is the perfect example of the wealthy, suburban man of high status. As the story unravels, however he becomes none of those things and instead undergoes a transformation and tragedy that give insight, through symbolism and surrealism, the American’s male’s conception of life and legacy. As the story begins, Neddy is partying with friends of his own social status and in a cheerful mood as he enters into the narrative. “He was a slender man—he seemed to have the especial slenderness of youth”(Baym, 2410), though Cheever makes sure to point out that this character is middle-aged and this is important as this slenderness and youthfulness point to a certain vulnera...

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