In the story surrealism is evident, and is demonstrated through the swimming pools. The pools simply serve to depict the periods that Neddy life undergoes. The reader notices it is not realistic towards the end when Nedy comes back to his senses. The seasons simply show the changing life of Neddy especially when his life becomes uncomfortable and insecure. The neighbors turn against him, as he keeps borrowing money from them and intruding in their private life.
Cheever reflects the 20 th century middle class American life through Neddy Merill, who alongside his friends lives in affluence, sports, drinking alcohol, and spending weekends enjoying themselves. The middle class during this period engage in activities such as swimming, and leading a life filled with comfort and ease. However, owing to their apathy and ignorance, and failure to accept reality, the middle class end up destroying their families and life. They are unsatisfied emotionally, and they end up depressed, and undergo a myriad of feelings such as confusion, unhappiness, anger, doubt and boredom.
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Regarding alcoholism, Cheever shows the readers that Neddy turns into it, as he tries to live in denial and constant repressing of the painful events that led him losing everything. However, no amount of alcohol can alleviate his problems, and reality catches up with him.
According to Cheever, the suburbs are full of comfort and affluence. The rich neighborhoods have private swimming pools. The middle and upper class keep drinks in their houses, and they live in debts as they try to keep their affluent lives going.
The story is successful and engaging as Cheever has used Neddy to demonstrate the way millions of people in America live false lives. The swimming pool journey taken by Neddy taking alcohol from one friend’s house to the next depicts the way people decide to close their eyes, choosing to ignore their destructive behaviors that end up breaking their families.
