He told Neal he was in poor condition these days but he swam better than Neal, who'd gained ten or fifteen pounds since his marriage, and Enid, falling behind the men, wondered how it felt to have inhabited your body, your very flesh, as a weapon – If you ever got over it, were able to forget. The quick swing of the arms, the power of the fists to hurt – did you ever forget? She wondered did her uncle see other people in opposition to him, as opponents. Or just the men.
In the narrative, a character named Neal reflects on his physical state, acknowledging he’s not in great shape but still swims better than another character who has recently put on weight. This highlights the tension between their physical conditions and perhaps their self-image following life changes like marriage.
Enid, who is trailing behind them, contemplates the notion of the human body as a tool for aggression and struggle. She questions whether her uncle views others as rivals or simply sees men in general as adversaries. This introspection raises deeper questions about identity and the lasting impact of physical prowess and conflict on one's psyche.
