Answer:
The transition from childhood to adolescence is a difficult process with many obstacles. Jerry strives to be like the older boys, but he can only do that when he matures enough. While Jerry plays on the safe beach, he always looks back at the bay because he longs to grow up and be wild, like an adolescent, but he is unsure if he is ready for the change. Jerry was afraid to go through the tunnel, afraid to leave his childhood, because he did not know what would happen if he did. As scared as Jerry is, he knows that he has to go through this process now, he believes that he has matured enough and is prepared for the obstacles ahead. Jerry puts his childhood behind him and he becomes independent. He changed his mind because he believed that he was both mentally and physically strong enough to overcome life’s obstacles in his adolescent years. Jerry’s feelings represent his maturity level and whether he is ready for such a change or not.
Step-by-step explanation: