The author of “The Swimmer” uses place, and sensory details of place, to highlight the happenings and the theme within the story. Mainly, through the use of pools and details of season change, Cheever allows the reader into the world of Ned.
In “The Swimmer” the author inundates readers with details from Neddy’s life: in the opening paragraph alone he speaks of the church, golf course, tennis court, and other examples (Cheever). Out of the smaller settings, perhaps the most significant to the story are the pools through which he swims.
The pools in which Neddy swims as he travels home symbolise particular periods of time which Neddy experiences. At the start of “The Swimmer,” he is resilient and energetic, feels satisfied, and is respected by peers. He is content and happy in the sunshine, feeling like a “legendary figure” (Cheever), unrestricted by anything. As Neddy moves between pools, however, he begins to change. He becomes physically frailer, incapable of heaving himself out of the water without a ladder, and does not wish to dive into the pools as he did at the beginning. Furthermore, he stops feeling warm and begins to feel cold. The trees surrounding him drop their leaves, and autumn sets in. Cheever uses the seasons, reflected in the setting, to represent the changes through which Neddy is going. Along with the season, Neddy’s position socially has also altered; he is now slighted and pitied by individuals. Cheever uses the changes between pools to demonstrate the changes that Neddy is experiencing across all areas of his life.
Neddy calls the succession of pools the “Lucinda River,” representing the safety and permanence of his marriage. However, this name soon turns into a miserable one when he finds himself at his abandoned home. When the River leaves him in an isolated, unknown destination, he finally has to confront the significance of his behaviour and of the passing of time.
As in many of his stories, Cheever relies on place in “The Swimmer” to reinforce the central themes and ideas within the narrative. Ned’s experience within the pools themselves show what he is experiencing within the wider context of his life.
Discussion Questions
How does Cheever show the change from realism to surrealism?
We learn that the pools are becoming more difficult to swim in and are seeming much less attractive. Eventually, Neddy has lost all of his strength and is left alone at his home. This decrease in pace, produces the surrealism, particularly as the beginning was so much faster.
How does Cheever use foreshadowing?
He describes everyday items and happenings such as the empty pool, the peculiar and unexpected storm, the sensory experiences of autumn. This is to help the reader understand what is to happen later. The foreshadowing produces a progressively aggressive realm with every swim.
What does each experience of a new pool do to Ned?
As Ned comes out of one pool and into another, he is recreated. He is discovering that life is not the comfortable, safe experience that he once thought.
What does the opening paragraph’s description of setting tell us about Ned’s life?
Mainly that he is in the summit of a privileged lifestyle. Adults can spend all day drinking with few negative consequences. The list of places are typical of the middle class.
