Through the Tunnel

by Doris Lessing

Vocabulary1. *contrition (n) 23-1 contrite (adj)

feeling or expressing remorse; regretful

2. chivalry (n) 23-1 the system, spirit, or customs or medieval knighthood

3. *luminous (adj) 23-1 luminously (adv)

emitting or reflecting steady, suffused or glowing light

4. *buoyant 23-2 (adj) tending to float in a liquid; cheerful

5. proceeded 24-1 (v)procession (n)related: procedure (n)

come forth from a source;continue after a pause or interruption

6. preceded (v) [not in story]precedence (n)precedent (n)

to go ahead or in front of; to be earlier than; to surpass in rank, dignity or importance an example for a future situation

7. *poise 24-1 (n) stable and balanced state; easy self-assurance;to put into readiness, brace

8. * myriad 25-2 (n or adj) myriads

ten-thousand; a great number

Vocabulary

9. minute (adj) 25-2minutely (adv)minute (n)

extremely small;

a unit of time

10. *incredulous 26-2 (adj) incredulousness (n) incredulity (n)credulous (adj) credulity (n), etc.

disbelieving; inability or unwillingness to believe

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9 Literature: “Through the Tunnel” pp. 22-29

What is the POV?

Point of view:ObjectiveThird personFirst PersonOmniscient or Limited

omniscienthttp://www.learner.org/interactives/literature/read/pov2.html

9 Literature: “Through the Tunnel” pp. 22-29

1. What two conflicts are presented in this story?• man vs. self •Man vs. force greater than himself

2. Against whom or what is Jerry fighting?•Himself•Nature or the ocean

3. What is Jerry’s age and family situation?• He is eleven and the only child of a widow.

9 Literature: “Through the Tunnel” pp. 22-29

4. How are the conflicts resolved finally? •First, Jerry conquers his own fear and masters the physical weakness that bars him from swimming through the secret tunnel.•Second, he is victorious over the forces of nature when he successfully swims through the tunnel.

5. Why does Jerry cry when he cannot dive through the tunnel?•He is frustrated by the physical and emotional weakness that prohibits him from performing as the older boys perform.

9 Literature: “Through the Tunnel” pp. 22-29

6. Why does Jerry keep this feat from his mother?•He wants to prove to himself that he is able to conquer his fear and physical limitations; therefore, his mother’s knowledge of his victory is irrelevant. Jerry also does not wish to worry her.

7. What does the last sentence of this short story imply?•Having tested himself and succeeded, there is no further need for testing.

8. What does Jerry fear as he is swimming in the tunnel?•He fears failure, or worse, death.

9 Literature: “Through the Tunnel” pp. 22-29

9.If Jerry had had his own set of friends at the bay, would he have felt the need to follow the older boys at the bay?

10.What are some signs of Jerry’s immaturity?•Example: making faces at the older boys

11. What are some other characteristics Jerry displayed?