Jerry is the main character in the short story. His outer characterisation reveals that he is a “young English boy”, “an only child, eleven years old ”. We also know that he does not have a father, as his mother is a widow. Jerry is on holiday with his mother in another country and he does not speak the local language.
How does Jerry change from the beginning of the story to the end?
At the beginning of the story, Jerry is on the brink of puberty, trying to separate himself from his mother and prove himself as a young man. ... By the end of the story, Jerry has matured because he’s able to swim through the tunnel by himself , showing he is ready to venture into the world as a young man.
How does Jerry change in through the tunnel?
The eleven-year-old Jerry changes his personality during his adventure . The challenges of diving through the tunnel change Jerry’s character. He turns from cowardly to brave, overprotected to independent, and childish to mature. In short, the adventure changes his personality.
What happens when Jerry is swimming through the tunnel?
Jerry’s swim through the tunnel symbolizes his journey into manhood . He shows great tenacity when he practises for his swim and despite the physical and mental hurdles, come out victorious. It is a dangerous risk that he takes and he has to do it alone.
How has Jerry changed in the course of this story Why is going to the bay no longer of the least importance?
It was no longer of the least importance to go to the bay. The reason for this is that he had just gone through an extremely difficult trial that he had put himself through . He had almost lost his life and had to overcome his fear and tremendous difficulties to complete the arduous task that he had set himself.
Why does Jerry cry when he Cannot swim through the tunnel?
Why does Jerry cry when he cannot dive through the tunnel? He is frustrated that he cannot do what the other boys can.
Why is Jerry so determined?
Expert Answers
After his rejection by the older native boys, who have perceived him as immature as he splashes foolishly in the water, Jerry sits on the rough rock and cries “ openly ” because he envies their camaraderie and freedom and daring.
Why is it so important for Jerry to swim through the tunnel explain what he is trying to prove?
It is important for Jerry to swim through the tunnel, on a literal level, because he wants to be able to fit in with the older, local boys who could do it . ... Swimming through the tunnel feels like an initiation of sorts, as if accomplishing this task will prove, somehow, that he’s ready for adulthood.
Why does Jerry leave his mother?
She was a widow . She was determined to be neither possessive nor lacking in devotion. She went worrying off to her beach. ... He is a boy that obviously feels he needs to protect his mother in some way, probably because she is a widower, and he doesn’t want to put her through any more worry or pain or suffering.
Who is the antagonist in through the tunnel?
There are multiple parts that make up a plot hill. The antagonist of the story is the person, place, or thing the protagonist is opposing. There are two antagonists in “Through the Tunnel”: Jerry himself and the tunnel .
What is the main message of through the tunnel?
The main theme of the story “Through the tunnel” is coming of age, which means becoming an adult, typically as a result of an event or a rite of passage.
How does Jerry seem to feel about himself and his swim at the end of the story?
How does Jerry seem to feel about himself and his swim at the end of the story? The strain that he put on his body doesn’t seem to register with Jerry . He forgets altogether that while he was under he thought he was about to die – the surface air washed away the fear and panic that strangled him in the tunnel.
Why was Jerry happy when he first joined?
Jerry felt accepted because the boys would make way for him when he dove and he felt like he was part of their group.
What are two problems that Jerry encounters while trying to swim through the tunnel?
What are two problems that Jerry encounters while trying to swim through the tunnel? Jerry cries from fear, embarrassment, frustration, and humiliation . At the beach, Jerry gets permission from his mother to swim away from her over by the rocks, a good distance from her. There he...
What is Jerry’s internal conflict at the start of the story why does Jerry feel sorry or remorseful?
Jerry’s internal conflict, firstly, arises from his mother’s wish and what he wants for himself . He has to choose between doing what he wants or being obedient. At first, his guilt is what compels him to stay with her. He finally resolves this conflict by telling her that he longs to be elsewhere and she allows him.
What does the wild beach symbolize in through the tunnel?
The usual interpretation is that the “safe beach” represents the comfort and security of Jerry’s childhood and his mother and the rocky, “wild beach” represents the unknown adolescent future without his mother . The “tunnel” is a challenge or rite of passage or test Jerry must pass to gain access to that future.
