Discussion Topic
The climax and its effects on conflicts in "Through the Tunnel"
Summary:
The climax of "Through the Tunnel" occurs when Jerry successfully swims through the underwater tunnel. This achievement resolves the internal conflict of proving his independence and maturity, as well as the external conflict of overcoming a physical challenge. After this, Jerry no longer feels the need to prove himself, marking his transition from childhood to adolescence.
What is the climax of "Through the Tunnel"?
The dramatic climax of the story occurs when Jerry reaches the end of the tunnel and makes his way to the surface. Doris Lessing creates tremendous suspense prior to the story's climax. After Jerry enters the tunnel, it is questionable whether he will make it out or die in the effort. Once, he thinks he has reached the end only to discover it is not the end of the tunnel. The physical toll on him increases until he lapses in and out of consciousness. He struggles on, surrounded by darkness, believing that he is going to die. Because of this development of suspense, the climax of the story is very dramatic:
An immense, swelling pain filled his head, and then the darkness cracked with an explosion of green light. His hands, groping forward, met nothing; and his feet, kicking back, propelled him out into the open sea.
The climax of...
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a story is reached when the main conflict is resolved. In this story, Jerry challenges the tunnel and himself. He wins--and lives.
What is the climax in "Through the Tunnel"?
The climax comes when Jerry is able to hold his breath long enough to be able to swim through the tunnel. This is a turning point in Jerry's life because he has set and accomplished a difficult goal. When he is finally through the tunnel. he looks at the other boys who had be taunting him but he is no longer interested in them. In fact, it was"no longer of the least importance to go to the bay." Jerry has succeeded in his metaphorical journey toward manhood and is now aware he can accomplish difficult tasks without the help of his mother.
What effect does the climax have on conflicts in "Through the Tunnel"?
At the end of "Through the Tunnel," Jerry accomplishes what he has set out to accomplish: he travels through the underwater tunnel he discovered after seeing the older, native boys swim through it.
Perhaps the most simple and basic conflict in the story is the external struggle of man vs. nature--in this case, Jerry vs. the water. Obviously, Jerry is able to overcome this conflict through hard work, determination, and training (quite literally, he trains his body to survive under the water for a long enough time to swim through the tunnel).
More importantly, Jerry's internal conflict (he struggles to establish his independence while still clinging to his emotional bond with his mother) is resolved with the climax of the story. Once Jerry accomplishes his goal, he is able to feel the pride that accompanies such a task. Further, we can presume that since Jerry has accomplished his goal, he will be more secure in his relationship with his mother as the two leave their vacation and go home.