Deliverance

Deliverance Summary | Before Summary

Ed Gentry, the first-person narrator, introduces Lewis Medlock, Bobby Trippe and Drew Ballinger as the four of them pore over a map of the Cahulawassee River. Lewis is attempting to persuade the other three men to join him on a whitewater canoeing expedition down this river, because it is about to be dammed and, soon, the entire valley in which it lies will be filled with a reservoir. Thus, they can have one big adventure together on a river that will soon pass into history. Although Bobby and Drew are hesitant, Ed is more than happy to join in the trip.

All four men are in their mid- to late 30s and they all work at uninteresting, unfulfilling jobs. Thus, the chance to go off on an adventure has a certain appeal for them, although the river is fast and dangerous. Eventually, Lewis manages to sway Drew and Bobby into coming along.

After lunch, Ed returns to the graphic design firm that he half-owns. The staff is preparing to shoot photographs of a young lady who is looking to break into modeling. The spread they have planned is somewhat risquy. As per the request of the buyer, the idea is to photograph a topless woman from the back in order to advertise panties. Ed gets his camera ready as the young woman sits and waits for them in her bathrobe.

Once everyone is prepared, this attractive young lady drops her robe. Ed is immediately aroused at the sight of her nude body, although he attempts to act casual. However, a "gold-glowing mote" (22) in her eye catches his attention and he is almost transfixed by it. This simple aspect of her eyes is alluring in a way that even her naked body is not, and she notices Ed is intrigued by it.