... boy sets his eyes on the high dive, leaving the children's area of the pool and joining the adults. The line for this diving board, the leap off of it, and every other detail in the story are in some way symbolic of the maturing process. The symbolism is presented in such a way that it becomes clear that the author believes maturity occurs ... the activities taking place in the story strengthen the parallel between the afternoon at the pool and the process of growing up. The wait in the line and the trip up the ladder have descriptions that are packed with detail. These details each tak...

• Word Count: 3230
• Approx Pages: 13
• Grade Level: High School