Through the Tunnel points to three main parts. First one is PRIDE: Because of Jerry's pride, he pushed himself to be able to dive off the rock and swim through the tunnel with the bigger boys. He wants to show these bigger boys that he can do it. He thought that if he can achieve such daring act, he will gain acceptance from these boys. Second is the WILL TO SURVIVE: Jerry felt like he wasn't going to make it during the last stretch of the tunnel, yet he kept pushing and convincing himself that he can do it. Finally, he made it. And lastly, COURAGE: Despite the doubt in Jerry's mind whether he'll make it or not, he still had the courage to swim through the tunnel and even challenged himself to make it through the hole next summer.