Cheever's Use Of Symbolism In Nudiity

In the use of symbolism in nudity, Cheever shows that addiction creates a reality where we hide from the real world and eventually destroy our life. Although nudity plays a little role in the story, the symbolism of it is major. When Neddy is naked, he is exposed to his surroundings. He is vulnerable to everyone around him. This makes Neddy an easier target to uncover the truth to him. We first see Neddy naked at the Halloran’s. “Their nakedness was a detail in their uncompromising zeal for reform and he stepped politely out of his trunks before he went through the opening in the hedge” (Cheever 733). They were nudist so respectful to their customs, Neddy takes off his trunks in order to swim. As he does so, Neddy is also taking off the layer
of himself that protects Neddy from the harsh truth of the reality set in motion. He is embracing reality until he finds out reality is not what it seems. As they lay out the truth to Neddy, he soon denies it and seeks safety. Running away and escaping into his habits once more, Neddy reflexly shuts out the outside world. Not wanting to hear the truth he leaves, but he once again he is shown reality is not always what it seems. “Beyond the hedge he pulled on his trunks and fastened them. They were loose and he wondered if, during the space of an afternoon, he could have lost some weight” (Cheever 733). Neddy isn’t thinking clearly therefore he doesn’t fully comprehend the truth of what is happening. Although he thinks it has been only been few hours, the truth is it has been a few months. Neddy had been living in an illusion for so long, he can’t see the effects of everything going on around him. The alcohol has infiltrated his mind so he can no longer think clearly. In his world, he can only see what he wants to see. His life is destroyed and broken, but Neddy can’t open his eyes fully to the truth.