Student Question
What is the time period of "The Swimmer"?
Quick answer:
The time period of "The Swimmer" is likely the 1950s or the very early 1960s. Although the story, published in 1964, does not specify an exact date, its setting in the American suburbs and themes suggest this era, reflecting the post-World War II suburban expansion.
John Cheever's short story "The Swimmer" was published in 1964. The setting of the story is the American suburbs, which flourished following the end of World War II. While no definitive date is given in the story, based on publication date and the themes and setting of the story, it would be safe to assume it takes place during the 1950s, or possibly the very early 1960s.
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