Through the Tunnel | "Through the Tunnel" The Search for Identity and Acceptance
In the following essay, Holleran discusses the major themes of "Through the Tunnel."
Doris Lessing's—"Through the Tunnel" examines the experience of "rite d'passage" for Jerry, a young English boy. This story tells of a young man's determination to prove to himself that he can do the impossible, which is to swim down where the older boys swim and emerge a man, so to speak. Parallel to this, Lessing also explores the total isolation that the reader and Jerry experiences, as he struggles to find his own identity.
The reader learns the protagonist is Jerry, an 11-year-old, only child, with a widowed mother. Initially, he feels unsure and isolated and he becomes...
[The entire page is 1548 words long]
Join eNotes
The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:
Summary and Analysis – Themes – Characters – And much more...
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
Related Topics
Tell a friend about Through the Tunnel at eNotes.
