"The Swimmer" by John Cheever

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how John Cheever in "The Swimmer" manipulates a seasonal time shift and shows the protagonist's personal losses while he is obsessed with swimming. The paper describes how Merrill loses his family, wealth, respect and friends. The paper explains Cheever's message that total immersion in a single goal may result in forsaking all the wonderful little treasures which enrich our every day lives.

From the Paper:

"To be successful in the 21st century one must remain focused on their goals. Unfortunately, time is relentless and unforgiving in its forward trudge. There does not seem to be enough time to meet the demands of succeeding with one, single goal, let alone maintaining relationships with friends, family and all that one cherishes. Neddy Merrill in the short story "The Swimmer" also has one mission in life, to swim. The author, John Cheever's, masterfully explores the consequences of Neddy Merrill's mission and the devastating progress of time."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cheever, John. "The Swimmer." The Norton Anthology of American Literature.Sixth Edition, Vol E. Ed. Nina Baym. New York. W.W. Norton and Company. 1979.
• Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Dir. John Hughes. Perf. Matthew Broderick. Paramount Pictures. 1986.

More papers on "The Swimmer" by John Cheever:

• Analytical Essay # 32383 : " "The Swimmer" and "The Sorrows of Gin"
• Analytical Essay # 103473 : "John Cheever's "The Swimmer"
• Essay # 36792 : "The Swimmer"

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