Short Fiction · Chapter
Deep Waters explained
George Barnert Callender, a playwright, arrives at Marvis Bay ahead of his play's production.
What happens
George Barnert Callender, a playwright, arrives at Marvis Bay ahead of his play's production. While walking on the pier, he becomes distracted by a beautiful girl and falls into the water. She rescues him, and he pretends not to be able to swim to prolong their acquaintance. They meet at the hotel, and she agrees to teach him to swim. Later, his friend Arthur Mifflin reveals the truth to her, but she appreciates George's chivalry, leading to a romantic reconciliation.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrets
George pretends not to be able to swim to maintain a connection with Mary, leading to a web of deception.
Love and Marriage
The romantic attraction between George and Mary drives the plot, culminating in a potential relationship.
Comedy and Misunderstanding
The misunderstanding about George's swimming ability and the humorous situation of his fall create comedic tension.
Characters to notice
- George Barnert Callender
The protagonist, a playwright who pretends to be unable to swim after falling into the water while staring at a girl.
- Mary Vaughan
The beautiful girl who rescues George and later agrees to teach him to swim.
- Arthur Mifflin
The leading juvenile in George's play, who reveals the truth about George's swimming ability to Mary.
Key passages
“Other men puffed, snorted, and splashed. George passed through the ocean with the silent dignity of a torpedo.”
While other swimmers struggled noisily, George moved through the water smoothly and gracefully.
Highlights George's exceptional swimming ability, contrasting with his later pretense of being unable to swim.
“When a man’s afraid, shrewdly sings the bard, a beautiful maid is a cheering sight to see.”
As the poet says, seeing a beautiful woman can lift a man's spirits when he is anxious.
Reflects George's emotional state and the impact of Mary's appearance on his mood.
“I can’t understand why every boy in the country isn’t made to learn to swim before he’s ten years old.”
Mary expresses surprise that swimming is not taught universally to boys at a young age.
Shows Mary's practical and health-conscious character, and sets up the swimming lessons plot.