gers we initially accept his disapproval of them. When we later find that he himself acted so inappropriately we wonder if he is really using the defense mechanism of projection. This involves seeing your own unwanted desires and feelings in other people. Could Neddys inability to cope with his very inappropriate behavior led to the use of this defense mechanism? Two more defenses that come into play are those of denial and repression. Denial involves the conscious refusal to perceive certain facts. This is more than likely where Neddys major problem began. The thought of such a lifestyle change, and the humiliation of letting down his family were probably too much for him to think about. This more than likely led to the unconscious repression of the event, person, or situation. The repression of these things into his unconscious is why he cannot recall anything relating to the situation. After first reading The Swimmer, I was confused as to why Neddy was behaving as he did. After applying Freuds theories of different levels of consciousness and the id, ego and superego, we start to see a clearer picture of this disturbed individual. Neddys problems run far deeper than houses, money, or work related problems. His inability to cope with reality and its stressors is more troubling than any material possessions that he may be lacking. Neddys out of control id combined with his overwhelmed ego and resulting abuse of defense mechanisms seem to be at the route of his problem. Neddys ego has done a wonderful job of totally distorting his reality in an attempt to reduce stress. I think at at least one time in our lives we have all wanted to forget about some horrible, embarrassing, or troublesome event. The story of The Swimmer allows us ponder if this easy way out is really so easy after all....
