Tuesday, April 17, 2018

What physical and mental “tortures” does Jerry go through?

Jerry has to undergo the mental torture of growing up. This is difficult enough for most boys but is especially difficult for a boy like Jerry, who doesn't have a father. He's forced to experience the transition to manhood without the guidance of a male authority figure, so he has to prove his manliness by engaging in dangerous feats of physical strength and courage. Jerry wants to impress the other boys on the beach, and as he can't speak their language, he figures that the best way to do that will be to swim through the narrow tunnel.
In turn, this leads to physical torture, as Jerry experiences great physical pain and discomfort—such as constant nosebleeds—as he prepares for his swim. And during that swim, half way through the tunnel, the pressure on Jerry's lungs is so great that he starts to panic. At that precise moment, he experiences both mental and physical torture at the same time.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What is the theme of the chapter Lead?

Primo Levi's complex probing of the Holocaust, including his survival of Auschwitz and pre- and post-war life, is organized around indiv...