The Swimmer

by John Cheever

The Swimmer: Style 1 key example

Style
Explanation and Analysis:

Cheever’s writing style in “The Swimmer” is lyrical and expressive. He uses imagery and figurative language liberally throughout the story to help readers understand the inner workings of the protagonist Neddy, engage them emotionally, and bring them more closely into the story. The following passage—which comes mid-way through the story as a thunderstorm breaks out—captures Cheever’s poetic style:

[T]here was a fine noise of rushing water from the crown of an oak at [Neddy’s] back, as if a spigot there had been turned. Then the noise of fountains came from the crowns of all the tall trees. Why did he love storms, what was the meaning of his excitement when the door sprang open and the rain wind fled rudely up the stairs, why had the simple task of shutting the windows of an old house seemed fitting and urgent, why did the first watery notes of a storm wind have for him the unmistakable sound of good news, cheer, glad tidings?