Being with the boys on the wild beach is important to Jerry as it represents his desire for independence and maturity. The wild beach symbolizes adulthood, contrasting with the "safe" beach of childhood. Jerry is drawn to the older boys' confidence and freedom, seeking their acceptance as a sign of his own growth. Their rejection after he fails to swim through the tunnel motivates him to prove his capability to himself, marking his journey toward self-acceptance and adulthood.

Jerry endures both physical and mental "tortures" as he attempts to swim through an underwater tunnel, a rite of passage symbolizing his transition to manhood. Physically, he experiences nosebleeds, dizziness, and exhaustion, while mentally, he grapples with loneliness, the absence of a father figure, and the pressure to prove himself to older boys. These challenges highlight his internal struggle for independence and maturity, ultimately leading to personal growth and confidence.

Through the tunnel, Jerry's underwater swimming adventure was brought closer to him. The quote refers to Jerry's success at holding his breath for a specified amount of time. He is incredulous and proud of his accomplishment and this makes him feel that now he can swim through the tunnel. By: Komal Gandhi

Jerry's experience in "Through the Tunnel" can be seen as an initiation rite, as it involves key elements of such rites: separation, liminality, and a form of incorporation. He separates from his mother and safe beach, symbolizing a move towards independence. The act of swimming through the tunnel represents the liminal phase, requiring physical and moral bravery. While Jerry doesn't fully incorporate into the group of boys, the experience signifies a personal rite of passage toward maturity.

"Through the Tunnel" best illustrates the archetype of the Initiation. The story symbolizes Jerry's rite of passage into adulthood as he challenges himself to swim through the tunnel, marking his transition. While elements of the Task and the Journey are present, the Initiation is most evident, especially in Jerry's change after completing the tunnel swim. His lack of interest in revisiting the bay signifies his successful passage into a new stage of maturity.

Jerry's preparation for the swim reflects his growing maturity through his dedication to practice and increasing independence. He diligently practices holding his breath daily, showing meticulousness and self-discipline. Unlike before, he no longer asks for permission to go to the wild bay, demonstrating newfound independence. Jerry also learns to delay gratification, waiting until he is ready to attempt swimming through the tunnel, indicating a mature, controlled impatience and persistence.

In the short story "Through the Tunnel," the author is suggesting that the process of maturation is not a linear one. As we grow up, we don't neatly proceed from one step to the next in an orderly fashion, eventually ending up at the goal after we've taken each step in order and only once. The process of maturing is a great deal messier than that; the path is twisted and winding, sometimes turning back on itself for a time.

Symbols and metaphors in "Through the Tunnel" relate to the theme of adolescence by representing Jerry's transition from childhood to adulthood. The tunnel symbolizes his journey towards independence and self-acceptance, as he moves from the "safe beach" of maternal care to the "wild beach" of autonomy. His successful swim through the tunnel marks his growth and newfound independence, as he keeps his achievement secret from his mother, illustrating his emerging maturity and self-reliance.

The journey in "Through the Tunnel" is dangerous because Jerry must swim through a completely submerged rocky tunnel, requiring him to hold his breath for over two minutes. The tunnel's narrowness forces him to maneuver sideways, and seaweed inside poses a risk of entanglement. Additionally, parts of the tunnel are pitch black, which means Jerry has to swim blindly, risking head injury or running out of air.

In Doris Lessing's "Through the Tunnel," Jerry's determination to swim through the underwater tunnel symbolizes his rite of passage into manhood. Initially feeling rejected by older boys, Jerry sees the swim as a way to prove his maturity and independence. This personal challenge signifies his transition from childhood, driven by a desire for acceptance and self-assurance. Despite facing danger, Jerry's successful swim leads to self-realization, independence, and a newfound maturity, making his connection to the older boys unnecessary.