Beginning of Essay
John Cheever’s story “The Swimmer” depicts a protaganist, and the society that has nurtured him, as lacking in seriousness and responsibility. Neddy, the bewildered protagonist, represents a society satirized for centering its values on social status and mat ....

Middle of Essay
.... the point of view, Cheever allows the reader to see Neddy from two different perspectives. According to Neddy, “his life was not confining and the delight he took in observation could not be explained by its suggestion of escape” (368). The bystanders view of Neddy, however, depicts him as “close to naked,” as they “wondered if he was the victim of foul play, had his car broken down, or was he merely a fool” (371). This is the only moment in the entire story where a perspective other than Neddy’s is offered, indicating that Cheever wants to maintain an emphasis on the bewilderment of Neddy. In addition, elements of symbolism th ....