The Swimmer

A detailed Summary of The Swimmer


Contrast of Neddy Merrill and the Typical Grail Hero

In John Cheever's story "The Swimmer", Neddy Merrill is in many ways compared to the traditional grail hero. Like the grail here, Neddy Merrill is portrayed in many ways as a "legendary figure" (Cheever 393). Neddy was also planning to take a "long swim" (Cheever 393), or in comparison to the grail hero, "a perilous quest" (Blythe and Sweet 2). Finally, Neddy Merrill reaches the end of his quest, as does the typical grail hero, where they both find a dark and empty place. Neddy Merrill and the typical grail hero have these common events occur in their lives, but in contrast to the grail hero's "selfless, community-serving quest" (7), Neddy's trip is a "selfish search for his own youth as well as materialism" (7). Therefore, Neddy's selfish ways have paved an easy road for one to not compare, but contrast Neddy to the typical grail hero.

In "The Swimmer", Neddy Merrill "had a vague and modest idea of himself as a legendary figure" (393). The story does portray Neddy as legendary hero, but


Just like the grail hero, Neddy reached the end of his journey. "The grail hero arrives at the Grail Castle, and if worthy (proven by brave deeds and proper questions), he is granted a vision of the Grail" (7). The selfless acts he set out to accomplish will occur. Neddy arrives home and "the place was dark" (400). He has accomplished his goal and had "swum the country" (400). During his trip home, Neddy imposed on several occasions to stop and get a drink, but did not want to socialize with any of his hosts. Neddy wasn't always greeted with open arms, and in fact had his pride hurt on a few occasions. To alleviate some of his injuries, Nelly wanted to make a stop at a mistress's house. Nelly was looking for "love-sexual roughhouse in fact-was that supreme elixir, the pain killer, the brightly colored pill that would put the spring back into his step, the joy of life in his heart" (399). Neddy's journey was a "selfish search for his own youth as well as materialism" (7). His journey, in contract to the grail hero was completely self-serving. For thi

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Approximate Word count = 721
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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