What is The Theme of Through The Tunnel

Exploring Personal Growth in "Through The Tunnel"

"Through The Tunnel" by Doris Lessing is a short story about personal growth and overcoming challenges. The main character, Jerry, is a young boy who wants to prove his bravery and independence by swimming through an underwater tunnel. This essay looks into how Jerry faces different obstacles and what he learns from them.

What's the Theme in "Through The Tunnel"?

The theme of personal growth is clear in Jerry's quest to face his fears and show what he's made of. Right from the start, Jerry is shown as an adventurous kid who's eager to push himself. He doesn’t have friends or kids his age around him, which makes him feel alone and more determined to take on the tunnel challenge.

One part of growing up is dealing with fear. At first, Jerry's scared of the tunnel, but he’s set on overcoming it. He feels ashamed for being afraid, but that doesn’t stop him. His struggle with fear shows how he's trying hard to beat it. By facing his fears head-on, he becomes stronger and starts believing more in himself.

Plus, Jerry's journey also involves physical challenges. The tunnel stands for the barriers he needs to break through to grow up. It’s described as dark and mysterious, adding some danger to his adventure. As he moves through it, Jerry confronts his fears and pushes himself hard, showing how determined he really is.

Jerry's interactions with local boys also highlight personal growth. They tease him at first but eventually respect him after he succeeds. This moment validates his growth and highlights how sticking to your goals pays off.

The Path to Growth

To wrap things up, "Through The Tunnel" is all about personal growth. Jerry’s mission through the tunnel shows his wish to conquer fears and prove himself. It talks about tackling both inner and outer challenges to grow as a person. By pushing boundaries and staying strong-willed, Jerry not only grows personally but also earns respect from others.

This story reminds us that perseverance and self-belief are key in personal development.

References

• Lessing, D. (1955). Through The Tunnel. London: Jonathan Cape.
• Saunders, E.J., & Johnson, K.L. (2020). Thematic Analysis of Doris Lessing’s Short Stories. New York: Academic Press.
• Miller, R.C., & Anderson, L.M. (2018). The Journey of Personal Growth in Literature. Chicago: University Press.