The tunnel is so symbolically central that the story is named after it. Lessing thereby calls readers’ attention to this element before they even enter the narrative. The tunnel’s chief symbolism involves Jerry’s journey into manhood: The journey and the tunnel are one and the same, and only once he makes it through the tunnel is his journey complete. On one side of the tunnel is his boyhood and immaturity, and on the other is manhood and independence. Jerry’s mother never encounters or even knows of this tunnel, as the rite of passage is for Jerry and Jerry alone. This symbol largely expresses the story’s rite-of-passage theme, though it also embodies the self-discipline theme as it becomes the task that he must overcome through self-discipline. The tunnel thus transcends its physical attributes and takes on new meaning as a symbol of manhood, self-discipline, and perseverance.

The swimming goggles that Jerry insists his mother buys for him symbolize the insight or new perspective that is necessary for a transition into adulthood. Before Jerry gets the goggles, he is unable to even view the tunnel that