Through the Tunnel

Setting:  It took place at a certain beach on an island during summer.

Plot:  Dorris Lessing uses setting and complex characters that discovering one's identity can be a truly harsh experience.  Jerry is just eleven and he is stuck between being a child and an udult.  He sees boys swimming through an underwater tunnel.  Even though the tunnel is so long that he could easily drown, he decided to swim through it.  The protagonist, Jerry wanted acceptance from his peers and to be in control of his life.  He learned that identity is given to you by those around you.  You can't give it to yourself.  Jerry's peers gave him the feeling of acceptance and that he was grown up.

Main character:  Jerry is the main character.  He is a small 11 years old boy.  He was his only mother's son.  He was a good swimmer.  He liked to be respected and honored.  He is an achiever.