In the Deep End: Exploring the Significance of “The Swimmer” by John Cheever

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John Cheever’s legacy is marked by stories steeped in suburban life’s complexities, one of which centers around his acclaimed narrative published in The New Yorker on July 18, 1964. At its core is Neddy Merrill, an ordinary yet emblematic character who embarks on a whimsical journey swimming through the pools of his affluent neighbors. This story represents a profound exploration of identity, wealth, and the fleeting nature of happiness.

The Rise of Neddy Merrill

Initial impressions of Neddy Merrill present him as the perennial Cheever protagonist: a wealthy suburbanite and quintessential family man, reveling in a luxurious summer morning. He embodies the image of the American Dream—a loving father with daughters adept at tennis, coupled with a picturesque wife named Lucinda. However, this idyllic veneer belies a deeper existential void.

Cheever artfully interweaves cultural references, mythological motifs, and local lore, tapping into the mythology of Narcissus and the epic journey of Odysseus. This narrative is juxtaposed against the backdrop of affluent Westchester County, where swimming pools serve not only as physical spaces but also as symbolic representations of aspiration and entitlement to comfort. Cheever’s communal interactions reflect both camaraderie and competition, a mirror to the society that dictates status through leisure and materialistic displays.

The genesis of “The Swimmer” can possibly trace its roots to Yaddo, a writer’s retreat where Cheever met composer Ned Rorem. This meeting was not just a catalyst for inspiration but also sparked a personal affair that resonated throughout his life and writings. The metaphor of the swimming pool—representing both escape and vulnerability—became a central image in the narrative.

A Poolside Odyssey

Initially conceptualized as a novel, Cheever’s vision for the story evolved into the short form, capturing the essence of an affluent middle-class life while simultaneously critiquing it. With a deliberate narrative of Neddy’s journey from one extravagant pool to another, Cheever crafts a contemporary parable about class disparity and societal expectations.

From the majestic Vanderlip pool—presided over by a statue of Neptune—to the elaborately landscaped Swopes’ pool, these aquatic locales evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. Here, children are more than mere heirs; they are defined by their ability to swim and their ease in a bathing suit, rather than by their financial backgrounds.

As the summer progresses, Neddy’s journey becomes a descent into self-awareness and disillusionment. The once-grand Vanderlip pool transforms from a symbol of wealth to a haunting reminder of loss and estrangement as the narrative darkens. Each transition from one neighbor’s pool to the next represents a literal and symbolic journey deeper into the illusions of a superficial lifestyle.

The Setting and the Storyteller

Cheever wrote of taking unfiltered journeys—the flitting between pools reflecting a broader metaphor for his own life, full of myriad choices and social pressures. Much of his inspiration came from observing the commonality and absurdity of suburban existence—a life riddled with secrets, disappointments, and unfulfilled desires.

His vivid descriptions of encounters, be it in fine swimming spaces or disheartening public beaches, juxtapose the elite leisure of his characters with the grittier realities faced by others—a critique illuminating class distinctions. These contrasting settings reveal Cheever’s fascination with the surface and its alluring grip, reminding readers of the darkness below.

The Adaptation and its Aftermath

Upon publication, “The Swimmer” became an appealing property for adaptation into film. Cheever’s association with Hollywood invited its own kind of tumult, reflected in Burt Lancaster’s portrayal of Neddy. The film adaptation, driven by a star-studded agenda, faced numerous challenges—including financial woes and artistic conflicts—transforming the original narrative into a convoluted reflection of its thematic core.

Despite the trials encountered in the adaptation, the allure of “The Swimmer” resides in its critical examination of existence. Neddy’s journey, initially buoyant with promise, culminates in haunting abandonment, a narrative drive that echoes Cheever’s own life experiences filled with excess and heartache.

Conclusion: Understanding And Rediscovering “The Swimmer”

Today, the enduring appeal of “The Swimmer” lies not only in its captivating storytelling but also in its layered reflections on class, loss, and the human condition. Each swim across the exquisite pools ultimately reveals a deeper societal critique, exploring the wealth and isolation of suburban life, culminating in a bittersweet reminder that beneath even the most beautiful façades lie darker truths waiting to surface.

This retrospective of Cheever’s work, along with his complex navigation of fame and personal strife, invites a new generation to engage with literary art that probes the essence of what it means to truly exist—and in those moments of swimming through life, perhaps rediscover what has ultimately been lost.

Adapted from When All the Men Wore Hats: Susan Cheever on the Stories of John Cheever, available for purchase from Farrar, Straus and Giroux, this analysis recontextualizes Cheever’s narrative, enriching our understanding of his iconic literary work.