Literary Criticism: “Through the Tunnel” Most people have never considered risking their lives to accomplish something out of pure determination. In the short story, “Through the Tunnel”, by Doris Lessing, the main character is Jerry, a young boy on vacation. Jerry loves to swim, but he gets sick of the same old, crowded, “safe” beach. Jerry tries a new place, filled with new and interesting adventures. After careful preparation, he accomplishes a potentially life defying adventure. Jerry is a believable character, he has the typical emotions of an eleven year old. Before Jerry goes through the underwater tunnel he just wants to fit in and feel more grown up. Jerry is so excited, “he was accepted, he dived again, carefully, proud of himself,”
