The Swimmer, a short story by John Cheever, tells the story of Neddy Merrill and his decision to "swim" home. It's a strange idea and he imagines himself as an adventurer exploring a new river. The river is actually made of pools that stretch across the city, which he collectively believes will lead him home. During his journey, however, surprising events occur that lead to the conclusion that Neddy's water-filled journey is not what it seems. The "swim" that Neddy takes actually alludes to an alcohol problem that he denies and the effects it has had on his life. The story itself is full of events that tell the reader that the "swim" is not what he wants. it seems. The first is in the introduction itself, which describes the atmosphere of a party. The first seven lines show that the people there, including Neddy, drank more than they should have. Even choosing to swim home suggests that something may not be right. Any sober person would consider the idea of ​​swimming pool after pool to get home ridiculous. The author also engages the reader by showing his dizzying and fantastical thoughts on the topic. Neddy describes himself as a legendary figure and was no fool or prankster (l. 29-30). When he thinks this, the author is telling the reader that Neddy is already blind to his own flaws and believes he is sane, when in reality it is quite the opposite. Neddy doesn't believe he has a drinking problem, but the events that unfold during his "swim" say otherwise. When he meets people along his journey, the things they tell him shock him. The fact that he is oblivious shows the effects of alcohol on his life. His first encounter occurred when he arrived... middle of paper... what was happening. Deep down he saw his downward spiral and subconsciously wanted to go back to the good times. On Route 424 Neddy thinks about how he wishes he could go back to the Westerhazys where Lucinda was and everything was happy. The road opens him to the harsh reality that awaits him, but he tries to ignore it. Neddy's story shows how choices can lead you down the wrong path and cause you to lose everything. It also shows that some choices can cause irreparable consequences, just as Neddy cannot go back after choosing to “swim” or rather focus his time on alcohol. Although the story is told in a lighthearted manner, the author warns not to lose sight of the truly important things. Works Cited Cheever, John. "The swimmer." The Northon Anthology American Literature. 8th ed. vol. E. New York: W. W. Norton, 2012. Print.