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The Pool Itself

Created: 08/06/15

Replies: 9

Posted Aug. 06, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rebeccar

Join Date: 03/13/12

Posts: 548

The Pool Itself

The pool is emphasized in many sentences throughout the book (when it could just as easily have not been mentioned) as well as in the title. Why is the pool itself so important - or is it?


Posted Aug. 06, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Sharlene

Join Date: 04/10/13

Posts: 78

RE: The Pool Itself

I guess it's important only for the fact that everyone is lounging around in little to no clothing without much else to do.


Posted Aug. 12, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
barbluvstennis

Join Date: 07/16/11

Posts: 22

RE: The Pool Itself

I think the pool could mean nothing at all, or a lot of things, such as a metaphor for individuals…Pools are inviting, mysterious at night, beautiful in the sun, but nasty when neglected…A pool can be used for competition, sexual innuendo and clean fun…Anyone can stand in the shallow waters safely, but pools have caused enormous sorrow and death…They draw folks in, and we either participate or admire from afar….
At best they cleanse the spirit and body, at worst they intimidate….You get my drift…HA HA


Posted Aug. 19, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rebajane

Join Date: 04/21/11

Posts: 320

RE: The Pool Itself

I didn't find any extra meaning of the pool other than as a symbol for summer


Posted Aug. 20, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Suzanne

Join Date: 04/21/11

Posts: 281

RE: The Pool Itself

It's an easy place for every one to congregate and more than just swimming can take place. Lots more.


Posted Sep. 03, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
roberts

Join Date: 08/20/13

Posts: 31

RE: The Pool Itself

A very good point for discussion. I found the pool to represent the rampant hedonism at the summer house and the recurring approaches to sexuality in the novel.


Posted Sep. 04, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
barbluvstennis

Join Date: 07/16/11

Posts: 22

RE: The Pool Itself

Roberts,
As you can see in my previous post, I agree that the pool is important to the narrative ...The author did not use the title frivolously ....I thought the pool represented "life" to the readers, but the more I think about HOW I FELT when reading the book, I think it is more about sexual behavior., as you posted..I was always uncomfortable with the relationships in the book, especially with young people involved in any way. That unease escalated for me when anyone would congregate by the "swimming pool" ...It is obvious why my anxiety increased


Posted Sep. 04, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Sharlene

Join Date: 04/10/13

Posts: 78

RE: The Pool Itself

Previous posts have caused me to think about this in a little more depth. I think the swimming pool represented status -- we've made it and can afford it. Apparently not everyone had one in the narrative but it was something associated with the wealthy and successful, i.e. not only have we rented a summer house but one with a swimming pool. Although a successful in his own right, Marc was drawn in and intrigued by this success.


Posted Sep. 04, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
barbluvstennis

Join Date: 07/16/11

Posts: 22

RE: The Pool Itself

Sharlene
Excellent point...and that attitude "we have made it" contributes to an attitude, that our behaviors are beyond reproach....We are the outliers and we know it....


Posted Sep. 28, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
shirleyf

Join Date: 04/25/11

Posts: 63

RE: The Pool Itself

I think that the pool represented the overall lack of inhibitions that the characters experienced while around it. The first campground that the Schlosser family stayed at did not have a pool or really any amenities anywhere near what the summer house offered. The pool at eh summer house offered a meeting place for the 3 groups staying there, and a central place for entertainment.


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