plot summary:Jerry went on vacation with his mother,they ussually go to that beach.
On the second morning, however, Jerry lets it slip that he would like to explore a "wild and rocky bay" he has glimpsed from the path.His mother was very possesive of him even though she had doubts of letting him go,but allowed him to go as she thought he would know his way back and could be by himself.
Jerry leaves behind the crowded "safe beach" where he has always played.
Jerry attempts to make friends with some older boys on the beach, but they ignore him after discovering he is childish. Jerry is jealous of the older boys-he watches them as they swim through a rock in which there is a narrow underwater gap. In an attempt to become equal to them, he begins to persistently practice holding his breath so that he too may swim through the rock. He is determined to be able to hold his breath for a sufficient time so he can accomplish this feat. For Jerry, without a father and rapidly approaching adulthood, this challenge represents his coming of age, and with his success also comes independence from his mother.when he only had a few more strokes to be out,he saw,above his head,a crack running through the rock,his lungs were cracking and his head was swollen his mother was very concerned when she saw that he has banged his head.She was ready for a battle of wiils,but he gave it in at once.It was no longer of the least importance to go to the bay.
main characters: Jerry-an eleven year old english boy who was afraid of his mother and he always wanted to get independence from her.Each tries to please the other and not to impose too many demands.Jerry acts from an "unfailing impulse of contrition-a sort of chivalry."Mother-The mother, who is a widow, is "determined to be neither possessive nor lacking in devotion,".She is a very conscientious mother and possesive of her own son.
