Final answer:
The question incorporates swimming as a central element, presenting it literally in terms of physical ability and metaphorically in literature, highlighting its significance in various narrative contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The provided excerpts exhibit themes and scenarios related to swimming, using it as a central metaphor or activity within different contexts. The instances range from literal descriptions of swimming and its associated activities to metaphorical references to swimming in literature. This multifaceted appearance of swimming in the quotes emphasizes its role in both physical and imaginative experiences. For example, John's bathing experience being compared to a swim with fish, or the metaphorical jump into the sea as per encouragement to live boldly. The dialogue about swimming across the Crystal Baths showcases a practical discussion about swimming capability, while classic literature references, such as in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', use swimming as a symbol to describe a struggling scenario metaphorically. Similarly, Eliot's poem contemplates life decisions and experiences as one might think about daring to swim or wade into the unknown depths.