What does the tunnel symbolize in the story? Answer: The tunnel symbolizes the transition from childhood to adulthood and the challenges and risks that come with it.

What does the wild beach symbolize? Answer: The wild beach symbolizes freedom, adventure, and the unknown.

What does the mother symbolize in the story? Answer: The mother symbolizes safety, protection, and the comfort of familiar surroundings.

What does the water symbolize? Answer: The water symbolizes the unknown, the subconscious, and the challenges that the protagonist must overcome.

What does the rock symbolize? Answer: The rock symbolizes a physical obstacle that the protagonist must conquer in order to achieve his goal.

What does the protagonist’s swimming goggles symbolize? Answer: The swimming goggles symbolize the protagonist’s determination, focus, and willingness to face challenges head-on.

What does the protagonist’s fear of the older boys symbolize? Answer: The protagonist’s fear of the older boys symbolizes his fear of the unknown, his insecurities, and his desire to fit in.

What does the protagonist’s bleeding nose symbolize? Answer: The protagonist’s bleeding nose symbolizes the physical pain and sacrifice he endures in order to achieve his goal.

What does the protagonist’s decision to swim through the tunnel without taking a breath symbolize? Answer: The protagonist’s decision to swim through the tunnel without taking a breath symbolizes his determination, bravery, and willingness to take risks.

What does the protagonist’s emergence from the tunnel symbolize? Answer: The protagonist’s emergence from the tunnel symbolizes his successful transition into adulthood, his personal growth, and his ability to overcome challenges.

What does the protagonist’s interaction with the older boys at the end of the story symbolize? Answer: The protagonist’s interaction with the older boys symbolizes his newfound confidence, acceptance, and his ability to navigate social dynamics.

What does the protagonist’s mother’s reaction to his achievement symbolize? Answer: The protagonist’s mother’s reaction symbolizes her pride, support, and recognition of her son’s growth and independence.

What does the protagonist’s decision to keep his achievement a secret symbolize? Answer: The protagonist’s decision to keep his achievement a secret symbolizes his desire to maintain his independence and not seek validation from others.

What does the protagonist’s return to the safe beach at the end of the story symbolize? Answer: The protagonist’s return to the safe beach symbolizes his need for balance, his appreciation for familiar surroundings, and his understanding that growth and adventure can coexist with safety.

What does the protagonist’s journey through the tunnel symbolize in a broader sense? Answer: The protagonist’s journey through the tunnel symbolizes the universal human experience of facing challenges, taking risks, and ultimately growing and maturing as individuals.