Swimmer

John Cheever’s story “The Swimmer” depicts a protagonist, and the society that has nurtured him, lacking in seriousness and responsibility. Neddy Melville, the disorientated central character, represents a society satirized for centering its values on social status and materialism. During the course of Neddy’s journey, the illusions he has constructed about his life are stripped away, and in the process he realizes the truth behind his society. In unveiling the tragedy of Neddy’s existence, Cheever reveals the disgrace of an unexamined life.
The tragedy of Neddy’s existence leads to his own demise. Through a unique usage of tone, Cheever foreshadows the misfortunes of the protagonist. Stereotypically, the author hints at the fact that that wealthy people loaf around and indulge themselves with alcohol to rid themselves of their problems. In a mocking manner, almost setting Neddy up for his failure, the day begins beautiful and everyone is happy, but a feeling of con...