‘The Swimmer' is a short story by John Cheever, set in 1960s suburbia. The narrative explores ideas associated with the disillusionment of the American Dream, made manifest in its main character, Neddy. The Dream has become an unrealistic expectation of the perfect life and suburbia a microcosm for American society, embodying both the idealised Dream and the slowly unfolding crisis which has followed as America wakes up from it.
Set of five gouache illustrations depicting the gradual descent of the main character, whose obsession with chasing the idealised ‘American Dream’ ultimately ruins him.
