Activity 3.4.1 - Motive and Motivation in Through the Tunnel

Make a submission

The following questions are based on Through the Tunnel by Doris Lessing

Do you think Jerry’s mother is right to trust him going swimming by himself? 

Consider the risks Jerry takes, as well as his success, and then write a one-to-two paragraph response that explains your thinking and opinion based on the evidence Doris Lessing provides in her narrative. Post your paragraph(s) on Moodle for feedback from the teacher.

Then, answer the following five questions and check your answer against the Answer Key.


  1. What internal and external conflicts do you think Jerry faces in his “Hero’s Journey” passage through the underwater tunnel?

  2. Who and/or what is/are Jerry’s mentor(s)?

  3. Why is Jerry so determined to swim through the tunnel?

  4. What is the climax of the story?

  5. What is the point-of-view for the story?


       6. Is To what degree is "Through the Tunnel" an example of a Coming of Age Story?

Submission: PDF format. (file size can't be more than 20 MB)