The Swim Team
When unpleasant things happen to a person, the reaction often brings out the real character of the victim. The narrator in “The Swim Team” by Miranda July seems devastated after an experience with her ex-boyfriend. The story, however, appears to be made up, or maybe the narrator was talking about an experience she had in a dream. The narrator was probably looking for something that would make her ex-boyfriend know that he had lost a gem. Also, the narrator appeared to be looking for a way that would make her recover quickly after a break-up. The uniqueness of the story given by the narrators fades because most details, such as the real narrator’s name, are assumed.
The creation technique in “The Swim Team” gives the story a uniqueness and makes the story flow smoothly. Additional three characters are created to support the development of the main character. Moreover, the attitude of the characters is unique and explains how an activity can become comfortable with the right attitude. Elizabeth, Kelda, and Jack are the three elderly people running the small market (July, 14). Miranda applies the coincidence of the three people’s situation and the issue that was happening to Mona. The application of coincidence is critical in developing the story, “The Swim Team.”
Coincidence appears to play a central role in “The Swim Team.” Mona is in a state of devastation from a broken relationship with her boyfriend. However, Mona has decided to take the issue easily to avoid complications. She moves on from the stress of heartbreak as if nothing has happened: “This is the story I wouldn’t tell you when I was your girlfriend” July (13). On the other hand, the three elderly people are in a difficult situation since they cannot swim. The case appears difficult for the three people, but Mona has known how to survive difficult situations. Mona decides to help the three people in overcoming the difficulty by teaching them how to swim.
The theme of confidence is used widely in “The Swim Team.” Right from the main character to the three-elderly people, confidence forms the basis of the development of characters. First, the main character shows strong confidence by moving on from a broken relationship: “…then I probably would not be your girlfriend much longer” July (13). Mona is confident that she is right to move on from her previous relationship. Mona is confident that she will manage to help the elderly people in knowing how to swim. Moreover, elderly people are confident in learning how to swim despite having no previous experience. When the elderly people begin their training with Mona, everything appears on point, and they learn how to swim: “I taught them all the strokes I knew… The butterfly was incredible” July (16). Also, Mona becomes a better coach due to her confidence. Additionally, Flashback is used widely to show how far the characters have come along to become the people they are in the time of the narration.
Flashback plays a crucial role in bringing out the developments that the characters have gone through over the period. Mona admits to having memories of the training she had with the three-elderly people. Also, Mona remembers that the training she had with the elderly people helped her to become a better coach. The weekly swimming lessons were crucial in transforming Mona into a better person: “I was the coach who stood outside the pool instead of getting in” July (17). Generally, Mona moved from the stress of her heartbreak because of her time in Belvedere. All the memories that Mona presents in the narration take the reader through the events that led to the outcome that was seen at the end of the story.
The narrator, however, leads to the fading of the uniqueness of the story by assuming several details. For example, the narrator does not explain why the elders wanted to learn swimming. Also, the cause of the broken relationship between the narrator and her boyfriend is not explained. The only detail provided is that a lady was involved: “I was not sure we had broken up until I saw you with her” July (18). Generally, the omission of details leaves the reader in suspense.
In sum, the uniqueness of the story given by the narrators fades because most details, such as the real narrator’s name are assumed. The coincidence in the story brings out the theme of confidence. Additionally, Flashback is used widely to show how far the characters have come along to become the people they are in the time of the narration. The story ends after leaving the reader in suspense.
Reference
July, M. (2007). No one belongs here more than you: Stories. Simon and Schuster.