The Swimmer and The Rebirth of a Human Through The Act of Baptism

Baptism no longer functions as a simple christian practice in the world of literature. Dr. Thomas Foster emphasizes this idea in a specific chapter titled “If She Comes Up, It’s Baptism” in his novel, How to Read Literature Like a Professor. John Cheever’s “The Swimmer” exemplifies Foster’s notion of rebirth through baptism and how in order to gain it, the character must truly want it. Neddy, the main character, embarks on a journey, with alcohol as a companion, to find a second chance at life by swimming in the pools of others. Yet he never gains it for his efforts don’t reflect his desire.

Throughout the story, it is suggested that due to excessive alcoholism, Neddy lost everything from his home to his family. He goes on an epic journey across pools to return back to his old home. His bathing in the pools equates to a form of baptism. Pools are not only relevant to the plot for sake of location, but have ownership as well. The pools with sapphire colored waters that Neddy swims in are owned by people just like him, rich and alcoholic. Therefore he’s never truly pursuing a new life by attempting to achieve rebirth through his old habits. His greatest fault, in addition to constantly drinking. When Neddy swims in the pools, he is not putting much effort. He swims across and accepts his little movements as effort towards his goal.

The story shifts when Neddy goes to a public pool. There he is deprived of his divine status and becomes a common man. Intentionally after, Neddy goes to the a pool owned by a couple fond of communist beliefs. There he swims naked in a water not filtered. He is pure at this point. Coincidentally he also gains some insight of his past. Although not baptized nor reborn, after swimming he becomes weak and fragile. This shows the waters he bathed in externally couldn’t do much since internally, due to the alcohol, his body essentially did not commit to baptism.

His feeble body makes its way home. Yet there Neddy finds an empty house, unchanged. Neddy is not given a second chance. The Swimmer gives truth to Dr. Foster’s words by proving baptism is only obtained when the character truly desires it.