The Swimmer Neddy's Drinking Problem

In the novel “The Swimmer” by John Cheever, the main character Neddy had picked up a drinking problem that caused him to lose track of his life and fall into financial debt. Throughout the novel, Neddy visited many friends and families for conversation while he knew it would follow with alcohol. This drinking caused things to take a turn for the worse in Neddy’s life. Throughout the novel, Neddy’s drinking problem was obvious. He would start visiting friends and family who he knew would accompany him with a drink. At one point in the novel, after he arrived at Mrs Grahams home, she had spoke about how it was a marvelous surprise to see him and then said “Here, let me get you a drink”(728). This is clear that the only reason Neddy had shown
up to her house was to be offered a drink. In connection with Neddy’s drinking problem being so obvious, people at this point in his life would always knew what he wanted to drink even without asking. While attending a party, Neddy had wandered to fetch a drink and “A smiling bartender he had seen at a hundred parties gave him a gin and tonic”( This shows that Neddy had always been a big hit at the bar.