Through The Tunnel Symbolism

As the warm, salty air swirls around him, Jerry prepares to make his transition into manhood. While he is unsure of what the outcome will be, he knows this is something he must do. Doris Lessing develops the theme of coming of age using symbolism and internal conflict in “Through the Tunnel”. The first way in which Lessing develops the theme is through the extensive use of symbolism. Nancy Rosenberger, an advisor at Conestoga High School, writes, “Jerry’s ability to hold his breath may also be understood as a symbolic assertion of his independence” (Rosenberger 245-246). Jerry becomes increasingly mature throughout the story, as is demonstrated by his various acts of independence. One such act is when Jerry decides to go to the beach without asking his mother for permission (Lessing 4). This act symbolizes Jerry’s increasing independence and maturity. The tunnel itself also represents many aspects of coming of age. Lessing writes, “He (Jerry) was continually pressed against the sharp roof, which felt slimy as well as sharp” (5). The slimy and sharp

Karen Holleran, an adjunct instructor at Robert Morris College, claims, “That these teenagers do not accept him forces Jerry into a ritualistic pattern to gain not only confidence in himself, but discipline and maturity as well” (251). Once he is rejected by the older boys, Jerry feels the need to mature, not to fit in with the other boys, but to please himself. He feels he can accomplish this by swimming through the tunnel the other boys swam through. Along with his desire to gain confidence and maturity, Nancy Rosenberger writes that Jerry struggles with alienation and loneliness throughout the story (246). This is clearly exhibited by Jerry’s immediate reaction when he is rejected by the older boys; he becomes frustrated and longs for acceptance. However, eventually Jerry realizes that he will not be accepted until he becomes more