Deep Water by William Douglas is an [autobiographical
] account. It tells us how a near-drowning experience terrified him and how he overcame that fear. From exam's point of view let’s break down the chapter for easy understanding.
Deep Water - Flamingo - Class 12 - CBSE English
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Back Exercises - Deep Water | Flamingo | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
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 would you consider to be more effective? Why?
From an observer's perspective:
Douglas, a young boy of ten or eleven, had made the bold decision to conquer his fear and learn to swim. The Y.M.C.A pool seemed like the perfect place to start, with its safe and shallow depths. Despite his initial hesitations and past traumatic experiences with the ocean's ferocious waves, Douglas gradually gained confidence in the water. However, one fateful day when he found himself alone at the pool, a much older and stronger boy approached him with a mischievous grin. Without warning, the bruiser picked up Douglas and tossed him into the deep end of the pool. What the older boy thought was a harmless prank turned into a near-death experience for Douglas. As he sank to the bottom of the pool, panic consumed him, and he desperately fought to reach the surface. The fear and terror that overwhelmed him were indescribable as he struggled against the water, his limbs paralyzed and his breath running out. Helplessly trapped below, Douglas's consciousness slipped away, and it was only by sheer luck and the efforts of others that he was eventually rescued and brought back to safety. This traumatic incident left a profound impact on Douglas, leaving him with an intense fear of water that persisted throughout his life.
The first-person narrative in the original account allows the reader to step into Douglas's shoes and experience the fear and terror firsthand. It allows for a more intimate and personal connection with the character, making the reader more emotionally invested in his story. The use of "I" and the inclusion of Douglas's thoughts, feelings, and reactions provide a deeper understanding of the impact the incident had on him. This style of narration is more effective in conveying Douglas's perspective and the depth of his emotions.
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.”
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Quiz - Deep Water | Flamingo | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
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Vocabulary - Flashcards - Deep Water | Flamingo | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
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Back Questions - Deep Water | Flamingo | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
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.
Douglas effectively conveys the sense of panic by using vivid descriptions and sensory details that immerse the reader in his experience. He describes how he struggled for breath, with water filling his nose and mouth, as he sank deeper into the pool. The author also emphasizes the desperation he felt when trying to reach the surface, with his legs kicking and arms thrashing about. Furthermore, he highlights the disorientation he experienced underwater by describing the blurred surroundings and the distorted sounds. Lastly, Douglas shares his emotional turmoil, including feelings of terror and helplessness, which make the reader empathize with the intensity of his panic as he almost drowned.
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How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
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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?
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“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.
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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 and 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, which you have read in Class XI, is an apt example of how courage and optimism helped a family survive under the direst stress.
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Extra Questions - Deep Water | Flamingo | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
What is the ‘misadventure’ that William Douglas speaks about?
There are two misadventures mentioned by the author. The first misadventure occurred when Douglas was three or four years old at a beach in California. As he stood in the surf with his father, he was knocked down by waves and buried in the water, which left him frightened and apprehensive of water.
The second 'misadventure' refers to the trauma that the author experienced at the YMCA pool. He was pushed into the deep end of the pool by an eighteen-year-old boy. On the verge of drowning and unable to recoup from the deep end, this incident instilled a deep fear of water in him.
Together, both misadventures contributed to Douglas's long-lasting fear of water, which he eventually had to overcome later in life through determination and practice.
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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?
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What sort of terror seized Douglas as he went down the water with a yellow glow? How could he feel that he was still alive?
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Summary - Deep Water | Flamingo | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
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About the Author - Deep Water | Flamingo | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
"Deep Water" is a gripping autobiographical account by William Douglas, an American jurist and Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. In this essay, Douglas shares his personal journey of overcoming a deep-rooted fear of water, which had haunted him since childhood.
The author's fear stemmed from two traumatic experiences - being knocked down by waves at a beach in California at a young age and being thrown into the deep end of a swimming pool by a much older boy when he was ten or eleven. As he grew up, Douglas continued to struggle with his fear, which hampered his enjoyment of activities like fishing, canoeing, and boating.
Determined to conquer his fear, Douglas sought the help of a swimming instructor who, through a slow and methodical process, helped him rebuild his confidence in the water. This journey involved re-learning how to breathe and move in water, which eventually led to him swimming the length of a pool.
Douglas continued to test himself and his newfound abilities, swimming across lakes and diving into open waters. Each time he confronted his fear, he found it easier to dismiss and gained a greater sense of control over it.
In "Deep Water," William Douglas not only shares his personal triumph over fear but also provides a valuable lesson about the power of perseverance , courage, and determination. Through his experiences, he shows that overcoming one's fears can lead to a newfound sense of freedom, confidence, and appreciation for life.
Themes - Deep Water | Flamingo | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
Fear and its Impact:
In "Deep Water," the author explores the overwhelming and paralyzing effect fear can have on a person's life. Douglas's fear of water, triggered by traumatic childhood experiences, hinders his ability to enjoy activities and robs him of many opportunities. The story highlights how fear can control a person's life and limit their experiences.
Overcoming Fear:
The central theme of the story revolves around .........................................
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Plot - Deep Water | Flamingo | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
"Deep Water" is a personal narrative , rather than a fictional story, and therefore doesn't follow a traditional plot structure . However, the events in the chapter can be organized into a sequence that resembles a plot:
Exposition:
The author, William Douglas, introduces his fear of water, which originates from two traumatic childhood experiences: being knocked down by waves at a beach in California and being thrown into the deep end of a swimming pool by an older boy.
Rising Action:
Douglas's fear continues to............................................
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Important Lines - Deep Water | Flamingo | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
Several lines from the chapter "Deep Water" hold significance due to their ability to convey key themes, emotions, and turning points in the story. Some important lines include:
"I was frightened, but not yet frightened out of my wits."
This line demonstrates the initial fear Douglas experiences when he is thrown into the deep end of the pool. It foreshadows the panic and terror that would soon overwhelm him and leave a lasting impact on his life.
"And then sheer, stark terror seized me, terror that knows no understanding, terror that knows no control, terror that no one can understand who has not experienced it."
This line vividly conveys the intensity of...................................................
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Vocabulary - Deep Water | Flamingo | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
Treacherous - dangerous or hazardous
The Treacherous road conditions made driving extremely difficult.
Aversion - a strong dislike or disinclination
She had an Aversion to spiders and would scream whenever she saw one.
Subdued - quiet and restrained
The crowd was Subdued after the team lost the championship game.
Misadventure - an unfortunate or unlucky accident or incident
The hiker's Misadventure in the wilderness left him stranded for two days.
Bruiser - a large, strong, or aggressive person
The boxer was......................
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