In at least 150 words, discuss how the motivation of Jerry's mother to do what is best for him advances the plot of "Through the Tunnel."

Through the course of the story, we don't see Jerry's mom as someone who hovers around Jerry. It is implied that she is able to recognize that Jerry is able to self-motivate himself and provides him with certain freedoms. In the scene wherein she initiates the conversation of Jerry going to a different beach, as opposed to staying on the "safe beach" as usual, she offers him the opportunity to decide for himself, and when Jerry decides to play by the rocks, she allows him to be independent.

Jerry's mom worries about "keeping him too close to her" as she's the only one raising him. In this way, her motivation to be a better mother in terms of offering opportunities for him to grow and be independent. Her way of motivating Jerry, albeit unconventional for some, can be what pushes him to pursue his rite of passage through the tunnel.