Through The Tunnel Steele - Sample

Through the Tunnel

"Through the Tunnel" is a short story about a boy who tries to overcome an internal conflict by holding his breath underwater for an extended period of time to swim through an underwater tunnel. He challenges himself to stay underwater more than 100 seconds to prove that he is as able as the other boys who jump off the cliff. In the end, he is successful, but not without almost risking his life.

By: Doris Lessing

Theme: Achieving goals requires sacrifices

Characters: Jerry, Jerry's mother, French boys

Symbols: tunnel, beach

Conflicts: Jerry vs. Tunnel, Jerry vs. Self

Situation/Conflict:Needs to find Self-Worth

Resolution: Satisfied with Himself