“The Swimmer” by John Cheever: A Critical Review

Introduction: “The Swimmer” by John Cheever:

Upon its initial publication on July 18, 1964, “The Swimmer” by John Cheever received critical acclaim for its innovative structure and thought-provoking commentary on post-war American society. The story’s inclusion in Cheever’s 1964 collection, “The Brigadier and the Golf Widow,” further cemented his status as a highly influential writer of his era. Utilizing both realism and surrealism, “The Swimmer” delves into the protagonist Neddy Merrill’s psychological and emotional unraveling as he embarks on an unsettling and surreal journey through a series of swimming pools in his suburban neighborhood. Through its vivid imagery and hauntingly evocative prose, “The Swimmer” continues to captivate scholars and readers alike, serving as a timeless exploration of the fleeting nature of time, memory, and the human condition.

Main Events in “The Swimmer” by John Cheever

1. Neddy’s Ill-Conceived Plan – Neddy Merrill, while enjoying a neighbor’s pool, impulsively decides to traverse the county by swimming through a series of backyard pools.
2. Initial Success and Idealistic Vision – Optimistic about his journey, he dubs his imaginary route the “Lucinda River” after his wife.
3. Seeking Validation and Sustenance – Assuming his neighbors will welcome him, Neddy relies on their hospitality for drinks and companionship along the way.
4. Ominous Sign at the Levys’ – Neddy encounters a disconcerting sight: an empty and drained pool at the Levys’ residence.
5. Humilation on the Highway – Forced to cross a major highway, Neddy endures public ridicule, undermining his sense of dignity.
6. Disturbing News at the Hallorans’ – Mrs. Halloran expresses condolences about Neddy’s rumored misfortunes, suggesting problems he seems to have forgotten.
7. Rebuffed by Friends – Seeking a drink at his friend Eric Sachs’ home, Neddy learns there is no alcohol due to Eric’s prior surgery. The sight of Eric’s scars prompts a jarring realization.
8. Public Rejection at the Biswangers’ – Neddy’s attempt to obtain a drink at the Biswangers’ party results in a humiliating verbal attack from the hostess, revealing his diminished social standing.
9. Harsh Treatment by Former Lover – His former mistress, Shirley Adams, angrily refuses Neddy comfort or a drink.
10. Physical and Emotional Deterioration – Neddy’s strength fades, and emotional distress sets in as the taxing journey and series of rejections leave him confused and distraught.
11. Struggle Through Remaining Pools – Exhausted, Neddy barely manages to continue swimming through the remaining pools.
12. Deserted Home – Upon reaching his house, Neddy finds it locked, dark, and seemingly abandoned.
13. Symbolic Damage – A broken rain gutter mirrors the deterioration of Neddy’s life.
14. Suppressed Reality – Neddy appears to have repressed memories of financial troubles, lost social status, and potential family issues.
15. Journey of Self-Confrontation – Neddy’s intended celebratory swim becomes a grueling exploration of his life’s decline.

Literary Devices in “The Swimmer” by John Cheever

Literary Device	Definition	Example from “The Swimmer”
Allegory	Story where characters/events symbolize deeper ideas	Neddy’s journey mirrors a gradual life decline
Ambiguity	Deliberate lack of clarity; open to interpretation	The source of Neddy’s troubles (real? delusional?)
Dramatic Irony	Audience knows more than a character	We are aware of Neddy’s decline, but he remains oblivious
Foreshadowing	Hints of future events or revelations	Empty pool, rumors of misfortune suggest trouble ahead
Imagery	Vivid language appealing to the senses	“Pale green” pool, “brilliant noise” of party, smell of autumnal flowers
Juxtaposition	Placing contrasting elements side-by-side	Neddy’s early optimism set against unsettling encounters
Metaphor	Implied comparison between unlike things	The “Lucinda River” represents Neddy’s distorted view
Mood	Atmosphere or emotional feeling of a text	Shift from carefree to melancholy mirrors Neddy’s state
Motif	Recurring image, idea, or symbol	Swimming pools embody suburban status, then become meaningless
Narrator	Voice telling the story (first-person, third-person etc.)	Third-person limited lets us see Neddy’s actions but maintains distance
Pathos	Evokes pity or sorrow for a character	Readers may feel pity for Neddy’s tragic self-deception
Setting	Time and place of a story	Suburbs transform from affluence to alienation, reflecting Neddy’s inner state
Symbolism	Objects/events carrying deeper meaning	Changing seasons parallel Neddy’s transition, empty houses reflect lost connections
Theme	Central underlying message of a text	Examples: denial, illusion of control, the fragility of social standing
Tone	Author’s attitude towards the subject, conveyed through word choice	Starts lighthearted and ironic, turns somber and tragic

Characterization in “The Swimmer” by John Cheever

Neddy Merrill:

• Unreliable Protagonist: His idealistic self-descriptions (“explorer,” “a pilgrim”) clash with his bewilderment about his own life circumstances.
• Fragmented Identity: Glimpses of Neddy emerge through social interactions (the Biswangers’ scorn) and overheard rumors (“they went for broke overnight”).
• Selective Memory: Represses troubling events like Eric’s surgery or selling his house, fueling his delusions of a perfect life.
• Social Validation: Relies on neighbors’ hospitality for both sustenance and to uphold his self-image, making rejections even more devastating.
• Embodiment of Decline: Physical deterioration (exhaustion, pain) symbolizes the disintegration of his social standing and personal illusions.

Secondary Characters:

• Functions as Mirrors: Primarily serve to reveal aspects of Neddy’s internal struggle and warped perspective.
• The Westerhazys: Their carefree demeanor and heavy drinking subtly foreshadow deeper problems Neddy refuses to acknowledge.
• The Hallorans: Introduce ambiguity with Mrs. Halloran’s condolences, hinting at Neddy’s suppressed awareness of his troubles.
• Eric Sachs: His surgical scars force Neddy to confront the harsh realities he’s been avoiding.
• Shirley Adams: As a former lover, her rejection starkly reveals Neddy’s diminished social status and emotional vulnerability.
• The Biswangers: Grace Biswanger’s public attack shatters Neddy’s illusions, culminating in complete social humiliation.

Significance: The lack of in-depth development for secondary characters emphasizes their role in exposing the protagonist’s denial and internal conflict.

Major Themes in “The Swimmer” by John Cheever

Theme	Explanation	Examples from “The Swimmer”
Denial and Self-Deception	Refusal to acknowledge harsh realities, creating a distorted worldview	* Neddy’s belief in his continuing affluence and social standing despite mounting evidence to the contrary. * Neddy’s repression of painful memories (financial troubles, potentially troubled family life)
Consequences of Complacency and Unchecked Privilege	Ignoring problems and refusing personal responsibility leads to downfall	* Neddy’s assumption that his social circle will always provide support masks a lack of genuine relationships. * Living in a bubble of entitlement blinds Neddy to the changing realities around him.
Illusion of Control and the Inevitability of Change	Desire to maintain a static and ideal existence clashes with life’s inherent flux	* Neddy’s imagined “Lucinda River” represents his attempt to control his destiny. * Seasonal shifts (summer to autumn), the storm, and physical deterioration mirror his decline despite his attempts to resist.
Fragility of Social Standing and Human Connection	Superficial relationships built on status and circumstance can easily crumble	* The gradual withdrawal of hospitality from neighbors highlights the precariousness of his social position. * Neddy’s shock at former lover Shirley Adams’ coldness reveals his prior reliance on surface-level connections.

Writing Style in “The Swimmer” by John Cheever

• Vivid Sensory Details: Cheever brings the story to life through descriptions that engage the senses. (e.g., “the pale shade of green” of the pool, “the smell of chrysanthemums or marigolds”)
• Sharp and Revealing Dialogue: Conversations expose character dynamics and hidden tensions. (e.g., Grace Biswanger’s scathing remarks)
• Subtle Symbolism: Objects and events carry deeper meaning, enriching the story’s thematic depth. (e.g., the “Lucinda River” representing Neddy’s distorted reality, the empty houses symbolizing lost connections)
• Concise and Precise Language: Every word contributes to the story without unnecessary embellishment. (This point can be merged with the next one for better flow)
• Active Voice for Immediacy: Action verbs propel the narrative, placing the reader directly in the moment.
• Complex Sentences for Nuance: Varying sentence structures reflect the complexities of human experience and inner thoughts.
• Shifts in Perspective: The story moves between past and present, objective and subjective viewpoints, blurring the lines between reality and perception.
• Realism and Surrealism: The story grounds itself in everyday life but incorporates dreamlike elements, creating a sense of ambiguity and unease.
• Layered Narrative: The story operates on multiple levels, offering both surface-level intrigue and deeper exploration of human psychology and societal issues.
• Exploration of Contradictions: The story delves into the complexities of human nature, revealing hidden desires and unspoken anxieties.
• Capturing American Mid-20th Century: The social dynamics and suburban setting reflect a specific time period in American culture.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Swimmer” by John Cheever

1. Psychoanalytic theory – This theory can be applied to interpret “The Swimmer” by examining the protagonist’s subconscious mind and the underlying psychological conflicts that drive his actions. The story can be seen as a representation of the human psyche, where the pools symbolize the unconscious and the protagonist’s journey represents his attempt to navigate his repressed desires and fears. The story also explores the themes of guilt, repression, and denial, as Neddy’s memories and encounters reveal his hidden traumas and emotional conflicts.
2. Postmodernism – The Swimmer can be analyzed through the lens of postmodernism, which emphasizes the fragmentation, ambiguity, and subjectivity of human experience. The story subverts traditional narrative structures and creates a sense of disorientation and uncertainty, as the protagonist’s perceptions and memories become increasingly distorted and unreliable. The story also questions the stability and authenticity of human identity and relationships, as Neddy’s encounters with his friends and lovers reveal the hidden complexities and contradictions of social norms and expectations.
3. Feminist theory – This theory can be applied to analyze the representation of gender and power dynamics in “The Swimmer”. The story exposes the patriarchal values and biases of American society, as the male protagonist’s privileged and entitled perspective dominates the narrative. The female characters are objectified and devalued, as they serve as mere accessories to Neddy’s fantasies and desires. The story also highlights the gendered division of labor and the limited opportunities for women in the suburban setting.
4. Reader-response theory – This theory can be used to examine the reader’s role in interpreting and constructing the meaning of “The Swimmer”. The story invites multiple interpretations and perspectives, as the reader is encouraged to engage with the complex symbolism and imagery. The reader’s own experiences, biases, and cultural context can influence their interpretation of the story, and can reveal insights into their own psyche and worldview.
5. Existentialism – The Swimmer can also be analyzed through the lens of existentialism, which emphasizes the individual’s search for meaning and purpose in a world devoid of inherent meaning. The protagonist’s journey represents his attempt to reclaim his past and establish his identity, but his ultimate realization of his own mortality and insignificance exposes the existential angst and despair that underlie human existence. The story also questions the possibility of authentic human connection and communication, as the characters’ interactions are often superficial and insincere.

Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Swimmer” by John Cheever

Topic	Guiding Questions	Thesis Statement Examples
Delusion and Denial	How does Cheever reveal Neddy’s self-deception? To what extent are his problems real vs. imagined? What purpose does denial serve for Neddy?	In “The Swimmer,” John Cheever constructs a protagonist whose denial of harsh realities creates a poignant exploration of how self-deception can shield one from confronting painful truths.
Consequences of Privilege	How does Neddy’s social position initially protect him from consequences? What signals the erosion of his privilege? In what ways does Neddy’s journey lead to a downfall linked to his unexamined privilege?	John Cheever’s “The Swimmer” reveals how entitlement can foster a false sense of invulnerability, gradually leading to a brutal confrontation with reality as external support systems crumble.
Fragility of Identity	In what ways is Neddy’s identity tied to social validation and material markers? How is his sense of self shattered over the course of the story?	In “The Swimmer,” John Cheever deconstructs a protagonist whose identity is precariously built on external factors; as his social standing and possessions erode, Neddy’s core sense of self disintegrates.
Symbolism and Meaning	How does the changing nature of the pools reflect Neddy’s state? What does the “Lucinda River” represent? What do seasonal changes symbolize?	In “The Swimmer,” John Cheever employs rich symbolism; elements like the pools, the imagined river, and the shifting seasons mirror the protagonist’s psychological decline and add thematic depth.
Ambiguity and Interpretation	What are possible explanations for Neddy’s troubles? How does the story’s ambiguity heighten its impact? Does the reader NEED a definitive answer, and why/why not?	John Cheever’s “The Swimmer” maintains a deliberate ambiguity about the source of Neddy’s downfall, forcing the reader to grapple with uncomfortable questions about human fallibility and the unreliability of perception.

Short Question-Answers about “The Swimmer” by John Cheever

• What is the central thematic concern of “The Swimmer”?
• “The Swimmer” explores the destructive nature of denial and the consequences of failing to confront life’s inevitable changes. Neddy Merrill’s desperate attempt to maintain illusions of youth and success underscores the human tendency to construct false narratives as a shield against painful realities.
• How does Cheever use symbolism to convey Neddy’s psychological state?
• Cheever masterfully employs symbolism to mirror Neddy’s internal decline. The “Lucinda River,” a figment of his imagination, represents his idealized past. Abandoned homes and drained pools symbolize his lost social standing and fractured relationships. The shifting seasons parallel his transition from a false sense of eternal summer to stark autumnal desolation.
• What is the significance of ambiguity in the story’s conclusion?
• The ambiguous ending, where Neddy discovers his own home dark and deserted, intensifies the story’s unsettling impact. This forces the reader to grapple with the unreliability of both Neddy’s and our own perceptions, questioning whether his losses are literal or symbolic representations of his psychological collapse.
• How does the use of a limited third-person narrator affect the reader’s experience?
• The third-person perspective, confined primarily to Neddy’s viewpoint, creates a sense of tension. Readers become acutely aware of discrepancies between Neddy’s self-image and hints of his deteriorating circumstances. This invites us to consider the potential unreliability of any single perspective and underscores the fragility of illusions built on denial.

Literary Works Similar to “The Swimmer” by John Cheever

Fiction:

• “The Swimmer” by F. Scott Fitzgerald (similar name, but different story!): A disillusioned Hollywood screenwriter descends into alcoholism, highlighting the emptiness of fame and fortune.
• Works by Richard Yates: Often explores themes of disillusionment, unfulfilled dreams, and characters struggling with social conformity in suburban settings. Revolutionary Road is a particularly poignant example.
• Stories by Raymond Carver: Carver’s focus on working-class characters and bleakly realistic portrayals of troubled lives creates a similar sense of quiet desperation.
• “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: Explores the dark undercurrents within seemingly ordinary communities, questioning the adherence to tradition and the dangers of conformity.

Film:

• American Beauty: A darkly satirical look at suburban dissatisfaction, suppressed desires, and the struggle to find meaning in the pursuit of an idealized life.
• The Graduate: Explores disillusionment and alienation faced by a recent graduate, contrasting youthful idealism with the realities of the adult world.
• Lost in Translation: Themes of loneliness and disconnection in unfamiliar surroundings resonate with some aspects of Neddy’s alienation.

Other Art Forms

• Paintings by Edward Hopper: His depictions of isolated figures and stark urban landscapes convey a similar sense of melancholy and emotional detachment.

Suggested Readings: “The Swimmer” by John Cheever

Critical Studies and Biographical Context:

• Bailey, Blake. A Tragic Honesty: The Life and Work of Richard Yates. Picador, 2003. (Provides thematic context through its examination of a similarly focused author.)
• Coale, Samuel. “The Symbolism of the Names in John Cheever’s ‘The Swimmer’.” Studies in Short Fiction, vol. 9, no. 3, Summer 1972, pp. 251-256. (Offers a focused analysis of a specific literary device within the story.)
• Donaldson, Scott, editor. Conversations With John Cheever. University Press of Mississippi, 1988. (Contains interviews with Cheever, giving insight into his创作过程 and potential intentions.)
• Malcolm, Donald. “The Quest Archetype in ‘The Swimmer’.” Notes on Contemporary Literature, vol. 8, no. 1, Jan. 1978, pp. 7-8. (Connects the story to broader literary traditions and archetypal patterns.)
• O’Hara, John. John Cheever: A Biography. Random House, 1989. (Provides a comprehensive exploration of Cheever’s life and inspirations, contextualizing “The Swimmer” within his overall body of work.)
• Waldeland, Lynne. “John Cheever and the Use of Time in ‘The Swimmer’.” Studies in Short Fiction, vol. 13, no. 1, Winter 1976, pp. 91-93. (Examines the story’s use of time as a structural and thematic element.)

Additional Resources:

• The John Cheever Literary Foundation: https://americanwritersmuseum.org/john-cheever-and-the-loneliness-of-suburbia/ (May contain additional critical analyses, discussions, or biographical information.)