Through the Tunnel by Doris Lessing
Events.
The story begins with Jerry and his mother on the beach, here we can know that Jerry was an only 11 year old child and that his mother was a widow who wanted to be neither too caring nor lacking attention to her son.
Then Jerry meets a group of boys. He wants to join them and does everything to become part of their group. He gets his mother to buy him some goggles, so he can see underwater. Once he has them he dives in hoping to find the hole the boys swam through. Jerry finds out that he needs to learn to control his breathing, so after some days of practice, eventually can hold his breath for two whole minutes.
Climax.
when Jerry goes through the tunnel. Inside the tunnel, he tries to find an opening but he can't seem to see one until ... “An immense, swelling pain filled his head, and then the darkness cracked with an explosion of green light”
Falling Action.
Jerry is finally out of the tunnel and moves to the rock to rest himself.
Resolution.
Jerry goes back to the villa and tries to cover his nosebleed. Jerry's mother tells him to be more careful and Jerry agrees with her, He is starting to mature.
My own resolution.
The older kids befriended Jerry and taught him to swim through the tunnel, also he continued swimming throughout his life as a hobby.
Conflict.
Man vs Self: Jerry finds the tunnel and becomes determined to make it through. Jerry is not sure whether he can make it through the tunnel and come out the other side safe, however, he is incredibly determined to try or die trying, this conflict helps Jerry become more mature and confident.
Man vs Nature: Jerry not only has to swim through the immense tunnel, but he also has to conquer the problem of not being able to breathe underwater. Jerry has to overcome these natural elements in order to accomplish his goal.
Setting.
The beach on the coast, the tunnel.
Point of view.
Third-person omniscient.
Characters.
Jerry.
Jerry´s mother: Irresposible, who doesn't care for him enough during vacation and forgets about him to the point of not being aware that his life was at risk.
Theme
Growing up isn’t easy, and how some kids try to grow up too fast.
Mood.
suspense.
Questions for the oral assembly.
At the end of the story, how does Jerry feel?
Proud and satisfied.
What do you think is important for Jerry's mom, that Jerry learned?
That Jerry allows some independence.
What moral did the story leave you?
To follow the things that you determinedly propose.
Why is Jerry so determined to swim through the tunnel?
Jerry wants to be able to do whatever the older boys do.
What is Jerry's goal?
Jerry’s goal is to swim through the underwater tunnel on his own.
