Invisible Son

Content Warning: This section discusses racism and murder.

Swimming is an important motif in the novel, reflecting Andre’s quest for freedom and dignity. Feeling watched for most of his days, Andre feels a particular release when he’s in the pool: He “feel[s] more alive” when he’s swimming, “like [he’s] part fish” (173). This activity gives him a sense of freedom and control over his own body that he has not felt because of the constant monitoring. As a result, swimming plays an important part in the novel because it allows Andre to have this escape.

Andre recognizes that water in general has a long history with Black Americans, saying, “That water was our enemy, haunted by ancestors left on ships and those who jumped in the ocean to choose their destiny” (89). He also points to racial discrimination in public pools as another example of how Black citizens have been separated from water. However, Terry’s advocacy for Black youth encourages them to work against stereotypes that Black people can’t swim, and such a program brought Andre into the pool for the first time. Since then, Andre uses swimming to let out his emotions and be alone. In the pandemic, when he feels especially cooped up at home, Terry’s decision to allow him to continue his community service work at Parks & Rec is crucial.