Previous
Genre
Definition of Imagery
Imagery, in any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses. For instance, the following lines from Robert Frost's poem "After Apple-Picking" contain imagery that engages... read full definition
Imagery, in any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses. For instance, the following lines from Robert Frost's poem "After... read full definition
Imagery, in any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses. For instance, the following lines... read full definition
Imagery
Explanation and Analysis—The Public Pool:
On the second half of Neddy’s journey through his county’s swimming pools, he must swim through a public pool. The narrator uses imagery in this moment to capture Neddy’s lack of enthusiasm about the experience, as seen in the following passage:
He took a shower, washed his feet in a cloudy and bitter solution, and made his way to the edge of the water. It stank of chlorine and looked to him like a sink. A pair of life-guards in a pair of towers blew police whistles at what seemed to be regular intervals and abused the swimmers through a public address system.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—The Lucinda River:
Near the beginning of the story, as Neddy is reflecting on the beauty of the “Lucinda River” (the string of swimming pools he plans to swim home through), the narrator uses imagery and a simile, as seen in the following passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Oh, how bonny and lush were the banks of the Lucinda River! Prosperous men and women gathered by the sapphire-colored waters while caterer’s men in white coats passed them cold gin. Overhead a red de Haviland trainer was circling around and around and around in the sky with something like the glee of a child in a swing. Ned felt a passing affection for the scene, a tenderness for the gathering, as if it was something he might touch. In the distance he heard thunder.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Sunday Afternoon:
Throughout “The Swimmer,” Cheever includes imagery to bring readers into the story and help them hear, see, and feel what Neddy is experiencing as he makes his way through the county, swimming pool by swimming pool. The following passage—which comes in the more lighthearted first half of Neddy’s journey—is an example of this:
Unlock with LitCharts A+At the far end of the pool [Neddy] bypassed the Tomlinsons with a broad smile and jogged up the garden path. The gravel cut his feet but this was the only unpleasantness. The party was confined to the pool, and as he went toward the house he heard the brilliant, watery sound of voices fade, heard the noise of a radio from the Bunkers’ kitchen, where someone was listening to a ball game. Sunday afternoon.
Related Themes:
