NCERT Solutions
for Class 12 English Flamingo
Chapter 3 Deep Water by William Douglas
Updated
Syllabus for 2024-2025 Exams
Q.1 What is the “misadventure” that
William Douglas speaks about?
Answer:
The “misadventure” refers to the incident when Douglas was thrown
into the deep end of the Y.M.C.A. swimming pool by a big, muscular boy. This
sudden act took Douglas by surprise, and he nearly drowned in the pool as a
result, leading to a deep fear of water that haunted him for years.
Q.2 What were the series of emotions and
fears that Douglas experienced when he was thrown into the pool? What plans did
he make to come to the surface?
Answer:
When Douglas was thrown into the pool, he experienced a range of emotions,
starting with mild fear, followed by panic, and eventually, stark terror. As he
sank to the bottom of the pool, he initially remained calm and formulated a
plan to jump from the bottom and surface. However, his attempts failed, and as
he made multiple efforts to come up, he became more panicked and terrified. The
fear intensified when his legs became paralyzed, and he was unable to move.
Eventually, he was consumed by terror and felt himself giving in to the
sensation of drowning.
Q.3 How did this experience affect him?
Answer:
This near-drowning experience left a lasting impact on Douglas. It instilled in
him a deep-seated fear of water that persisted for years. He avoided water
activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing, and the fear would return
every time he was near water. It also affected him physically, causing him to
tremble and feel weak after any exertion. The incident haunted him and deprived
him of the joy of enjoying water-based activities.
Q.4 How does Douglas make clear to the
reader the sense of panic that gripped him as he almost drowned? Describe the
details that have made the description vivid.
Answer:
Douglas vividly describes the sense of panic that gripped him by detailing his
physical and emotional responses. He describes his frantic efforts to come to
the surface, his lungs aching, the yellowish water surrounding him, his
flailing limbs, and the paralysis that eventually overcame him. The phrases
“sheer, stark terror,” “I was paralysed under water,” and
“screams in my throat were frozen” convey the overwhelming fear he
felt. His gradual descent into helplessness, followed by the peaceful surrender
to unconsciousness, paints a clear picture of the panic and despair that
overtook him.
Q.5 How did Douglas overcome his fear of
water?
Answer:
Douglas overcame his fear of water by taking swimming lessons from an
instructor. The instructor used a belt and pulley system to help Douglas gain
confidence in the water. Over time, Douglas practiced various swimming
techniques, such as breathing exercises and kicking, which helped him gradually
shed his fear. Although the fear occasionally returned, he persisted in
challenging it by swimming in lakes and pools until he was able to fully
conquer the terror. His final victory came when he swam across a lake without
experiencing any panic, marking the end of his fear of water.
Q.6 Why does Douglas as an adult recount a
childhood experience of terror and his conquering of it? What larger meaning
does he draw from this experience?
Answer:
As an adult, Douglas recounts this childhood experience to highlight the
intensity of fear and the process of overcoming it. He draws a larger meaning
from this experience by emphasizing that fear itself, not the event, is the
real enemy. By confronting and conquering his fear of water, he learned a
valuable life lesson: the only thing to fear is fear itself. He realized that
overcoming fear is essential to leading a fulfilling life, as fear can limit
one’s potential and experiences.
Q.7 Why was Douglas determined to get over
his fear of water?
Answer:
Douglas was determined to get over his fear of water because it was severely
limiting his enjoyment of life. His fear had prevented him from enjoying
activities like swimming, fishing, and boating, which he loved. He also
recognized that fear itself was holding him back and that overcoming it would free
him from the limitations it imposed. He wanted to regain control over his life
and no longer let fear dominate him.
Q.8 How did the instructor “build a
swimmer” out of Douglas?
Answer:
The instructor built a swimmer out of Douglas by using a systematic and gradual
approach. He first used a belt and pulley system to allow Douglas to practice
swimming back and forth in the pool while being supported. He then taught
Douglas to breathe correctly in the water by exhaling underwater and inhaling
above it. After that, he focused on helping Douglas overcome his fear by
practicing kicking and arm movements repeatedly. The instructor built each
skill piece by piece until Douglas was able to swim confidently on his own.
Q.9 How did Douglas make sure that he
conquered the old terror?
Answer:
Douglas made sure he had conquered his old terror by testing himself in various
water settings. After finishing his swimming lessons, he swam in different
places, including a pool and a lake, to see if the fear would return. He swam
across Lake Wentworth and faced his fear head-on when he saw the deep water
below him. Even when a slight sense of panic arose, he laughed it off and
continued swimming. His ultimate test came when he swam in Warm Lake, where he
finally felt completely free of the terror that had once haunted him.
Talking About the Text:
Q.1 “All we have to fear is fear itself”.
Have you ever had a fear that you have now overcome? Share your experience with
your partner.
Answer:
(Example response)
I used to have a fear of public speaking. Whenever I was asked to speak in
front of a large group, I would feel nervous, my hands would shake, and I would
stumble over my words. To overcome this fear, I decided to practice speaking in
front of smaller groups. Gradually, I began volunteering for small speaking
engagements, and I realized that my fear was rooted in self-doubt. With the
encouragement of my teachers and friends, I started building my confidence.
Over time, I became more comfortable, and now I can speak confidently in front
of large audiences without fear.
Q.2 Find and narrate other stories about
the conquest of fear and what people have said about courage. For example, you
can recall Nelson Mandela’s struggle for freedom, his perseverance to achieve
his mission, to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor as depicted in his
autobiography. The story We’re Not Afraid To Die (from Class XI) is an
apt example of how courage and optimism helped a family survive under the
direst stress.
Answer:
(Example response)
Nelson Mandela’s life story is an inspiring example of the conquest of fear and
the triumph of courage. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his fight against
apartheid in South Africa, but he never gave up on his dream of a free and
equal society. Despite facing harsh conditions, isolation, and constant
threats, he remained optimistic and committed to his cause. His courage not
only liberated the oppressed black South Africans but also helped free the
oppressors from the chains of racism. In his autobiography, Long Walk to
Freedom, Mandela emphasized that courage is not the absence of fear but the
triumph over it. His ability to overcome his fears for the greater good of his
nation serves as a powerful example of courage and perseverance.
Thinking About Language:
If someone else
had narrated Douglas’s experience, how would it have differed from this
account? Write out a sample paragraph or paragraphs from this text from the
point of view of a third person or observer, to find out which style of
narration you would consider to be more effective.
Answer
(Third-person narrative sample):
As Douglas stepped into the swimming pool, a sense of unease crept over him. He
had always been wary of the water, but today he felt a determination to
overcome his fear. Little did he know that this day would bring him face to
face with his worst nightmare. A large, muscular boy, without any warning,
grabbed Douglas and threw him into the deep end of the pool. Panic struck as
Douglas flailed his arms, trying desperately to stay afloat. His body felt
paralyzed, and as he sank deeper, terror gripped him like never before. He made
repeated attempts to rise to the surface, but each time, he was met with the
cold, suffocating embrace of the water. In that moment, Douglas felt the overwhelming
fear of death.
Effectiveness
of First-person vs Third-person Narration:
The first-person narration is more effective in this story because it allows
the reader to experience Douglas’s emotions and fear directly through his
perspective. The use of “I” makes the account more personal and
intimate, drawing the reader into his thoughts and feelings. In contrast, the
third-person narration creates a sense of distance, making it harder for the
reader to feel the intensity of Douglas’s fear and panic.
Writing:
Q.1 Doing well in any activity, for
example, a sport, music, dance or painting, riding a motorcycle or a car,
involves a great deal of struggle. Most of us are very nervous to begin with
until gradually we overcome our fears and perform well. Write an essay of about
five paragraphs recounting such an experience. Try to recollect minute details
of what caused the fear, your feelings, the encouragement you got from others,
or the criticism. You could begin with the last sentence of the essay you have
just read — “At last I felt released — free to walk the trails and climb the
peaks and to brush aside fear.”
Answer:
At last, I felt released — free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to
brush aside fear. This sentence echoes my own experience of learning how to
ride a bicycle. As a child, the thought of balancing on two wheels terrified
me. I was always afraid that I would fall, hurt myself, or worse, embarrass
myself in front of my friends. Every time I tried to ride, my heart would race,
and my hands would grip the handlebars tightly. Despite my fear, I knew that I
had to conquer it.
My father
encouraged me by holding the bike steady while I pedaled. Slowly, he would let
go for a few seconds, but the moment I realized he was no longer holding on, I
would panic and lose control. Each fall, though painful, taught me something
new. My father’s patience and constant reassurance helped me get back on the
bike every time I wanted to give up.
Over time, I
gained more confidence. The wobbling became less frequent, and I learned to
trust my instincts. One day, without even realizing it, I was riding my bike
all on my own. I felt the wind against my face and the freedom of gliding on
two wheels. It was a moment of triumph, and I knew that I had overcome my fear.
That experience
taught me that fear is natural, but persistence and practice can help you
conquer it. Today, riding a bike feels effortless, and I often look back at
those initial struggles with pride. I had faced my fear head-on and emerged
victorious, free to enjoy the thrill of riding without a second thought.
Q.2 Write a short letter to someone you
know about your having learned to do something new.
Answer: Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I just wanted to share some exciting news
with you — I’ve finally learned how to play the guitar! It’s something I’ve
always wanted to do, but I was intimidated by the idea of learning a new
instrument.
At first, it
was tough. My fingers hurt from pressing down on the strings, and it felt like
my hands weren’t cooperating at all. I made a lot of mistakes and struggled to
get even the simplest chords right. But I stuck with it, practicing every day,
and slowly I started to improve. It’s amazing how patience and practice can
make such a difference.
Now, I can play
a few songs, and it feels so rewarding. I still have a long way to go, but I’m
really enjoying the process of learning. I can’t wait to show you what I’ve
learned the next time we meet!
Take care and
talk soon!
Best,
[Your Name]
Things to Do:
Are there any
water sports in India? Find out about the areas or places which are known for
water sports.
Answer:
Yes, there are several places in India known for water sports. Here are a few
popular ones:
- Goa – Known for a variety of water sports
such as parasailing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, and scuba diving. - Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) – Famous for white-water rafting
on the Ganges River. - Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Popular for snorkeling, scuba
diving, and underwater sea walks. - Lakshadweep – Offers exciting water sports
such as scuba diving, kayaking, and windsurfing. - Kerala (Alleppey) – Known for kayaking, canoeing,
and houseboat rides through the backwaters. - Karnataka (Coorg) – Famous for river rafting on the
Barapole River.