The Cycle Of Life In The Swimmer, By John Cheever

The Cycle of life

One of John Cheever’s most critical short fiction of the 20th century, “The Swimmer,” details the adventurous journey of Neddy Merrill as he swims his way across multiple pools in the county where he lives in order to back get home. The pools that make up what Neddy has named "the river Lucinda" create a very strict order for Neddy as he progresses in his journey home, this symbolizes a crucial point in time of Neddy's life. He appears to have a perfect life on the surface with a content family, a high social status and many friends, which suddenly disintegrates through the story. Therefore, this story can stand as a metaphor for life, delivering this message: Your time on earth is short; use this time in worthy productive actions.
He has few problems in his life and he seems to see himself and all his friends as blessed. He accepts and rejects invitations according to a rigid social status and engages in all activities: tennis and drinking. He has many friends, and his position in this privileged world allows him to hop from pool to pool uninvited, assured that he will be welcomed wherever he goes. Although he is no longer young, he prides himself on his youthful strength and vigor and seems to see himself as a hero, as Cheever describes “he was not a practical joker nor was he a fool but he was determinedly original and had a vague and modest idea of himself as a legendary figure”(727). This quote, represents the self-satisfied view that Neddy has of himself and his world to consider himself as better as