What are symbols in The Swimmer?

In John Cheever's short story "The Swimmer," symbols play a crucial role in conveying themes of time, decay, and the passage of life. The pools that Neddy Merrill swims through represent both a journey and the stages of his life, reflecting his social status and the gradual decline of his circumstances. Additionally, the act of swimming itself symbolizes a search for meaning and escape, juxtaposed against the harsh realities of aging and loss. Ultimately, these symbols underscore the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of confronting one's own mortality.