A Story by Doris Lessing and its Analysis
Conflict: - Jerry sees a native swim through the tunnel.
Jerry is being torn between childhood representing dependence and then adolescence that represents independence (man vs himself).
Jerry versus the tunnel, the water, air, and human limitations (man vs nature)
Rising action: - Jerry starts to train himself in order to go through the tunnel thanks to the boy he saw.
The climax by doing so, Jerry, despite being able to hold his breath for two minutes, almost dies and isn't able to see what was inside the tunnel as it reaches much longer than he thought and his body couldn't take so much.
The resolution that happens in the story is when Jerry, after almost dying and passing out underwater, is able to reach the surface on the other side of the rock, therefore meeting his desired goal which was to go through the tunnel no matter what.
Another resolution could be that Jerry is not able to see the tunnel. Meaning that despite going through the incredible challenge, he makes it out but passes out before he is ever able to reach the surface and the last thing he sees is red.
Rite of passage
In the story, the boy swimming through the tunnel is a rite of passage. It symbolises how Jerry matures and stops being a boy. The way we can see the evolution in his character is by how he needed to be accepted by the other boys who were swimming, which is why he made it his goal to swim through the tunnel in the first place. However, when he swims through it even his mother is surprised to see him not arguing with her about him not swimming anymore.
Settings
The setting is the beach. The peaceful yet “childish” place for Jerry was the “big beach” where everyone was bathing, but there is also the bay area, which was mostly a quiet and solitary place, giving it a sense of “danger” and adventure for Jerry.
Theme
Connection, isolation, determination, failure, independence, conflict and coming of age.
Voice
Omniscient.
Mood
Suspenseful, tense, and ominous atmosphere.
Tone
Is neither judgmental nor critical but is rather fully empathetic of the character's situation and needs.
Character analysis
Jerry’s character in the beginning was very childish and constantly trying to impress people, but in the end he stops being childish and instead becomes more mature and understanding toward his mother. Physically, there are no changes, he is a normal 11 year old boy but in order to go through the tunnel he learns to hold his breath for 2 minutes.
Questions
Dasha
How did Jerry discover the tunnel? When he was with the older boys, they were diving by a black wall of rocks and the older boys were able to go through it but he wasn't.
How would you describe the mother's character?
Would you also swim through a narrow tunnel out of curiosity?
In the end, how many minutes was Jerry able to hold his breath? 2 to 3 minutes
How did Jerry’s personality change after going through the tunnel? He became more mature and wouldn't argue with his mom over trivial things
Nashla
Where does Jerry go on the second day of vacation? He goes to the bay where the tunnel is.
How does Jerry feel about himself after swimming through the tunnel? He felt proud because he did what he set out to do.
Why do you think it is important to Jerry to take the risk he did?
How would you describe Jerry’s relationship with his mother?
What makes Jerry feel humiliated in front of the other boys? He can’t get o the other side of the rock.
