Question 1

Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
2. How did the instructor "build a swimmer" out of Douglas?
3. How did Douglas make sure that he conquered the old terror?

Accepted Answer

1. Douglas was determined to get over his fear of water because the terror of drowning had gripped him since childhood, and he wanted to overcome this paralyzing fear to be able to swim confidently and safely.

2. The instructor "built a swimmer" out of Douglas by breaking down the process into small, manageable steps. First, he held Douglas on the rope and helped him get used to going under water repeatedly, teaching him to exhale underwater and inhale above water. Then he had Douglas practice kicking at the side of the pool until his legs relaxed and he could control them. Piece by piece, the instructor perfected each skill and finally combined them into the full swimming stroke.

3. Douglas made sure he conquered the old terror by gradually exposing himself to more challenging situations. After learning to swim in the pool, he swam alone, confronting the terror each time it returned and telling it off. He then swam two miles across a lake, facing the fear of bottomless water, and finally swam in a cold mountain lake, shouting with joy at having conquered his fear. This gradual exposure and repeated confrontation helped him overcome the terror fully. — The answers are derived from the detailed narrative where Douglas describes his fear, the instructor's methodical teaching approach, and his own efforts to face and defeat the terror through repeated practice and exposure to progressively challenging water bodies.

Question 2

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.
2. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
3. 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?

Accepted Answer

1. Douglas makes the sense of panic vivid by describing how his legs froze each time he went under water, how the old terror seized him repeatedly, and how it took three months before the tension began to slack. He uses phrases like "bit of the panic seized me" and "tiny vestiges of the old terror would return" to convey the ongoing struggle.

2. Douglas overcame his fear by gradual exposure and systematic learning. The instructor helped him get used to water by holding him on a rope, teaching him to breathe underwater, and practicing leg kicks. Douglas then practiced swimming alone, confronting the terror each time it appeared, and eventually swam across a lake and a mountain lake, proving to himself that he had conquered the fear.

3. Douglas recounts the experience to highlight the psychological process of fear and courage. He draws a larger meaning that fear itself is the real enemy, quoting Roosevelt's "All we have to fear is fear itself." Having experienced terror and survived, Douglas emphasizes the growth of the will to live and the freedom that comes from overcoming fear. — The answers are based on the text's detailed descriptions of panic, the step-by-step overcoming of fear, and the philosophical reflection on fear and courage.

Question 3

"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.
2. Find and narrate other stories about 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, which you have read in Class XI, is an apt example of how courage and optimism helped a family survive under the direst stress.

Accepted Answer

1. (Sample answer) Yes, I had a fear of public speaking. Initially, I would get very nervous and stumble over my words. But gradually, with practice and encouragement from teachers and friends, I overcame this fear and now I can speak confidently in front of an audience.

2. (Sample answer) Nelson Mandela's story is a powerful example of conquering fear. Despite being imprisoned for 27 years, he never gave up hope and courageously fought for freedom and equality. Similarly, the story 'We're Not Afraid To Die' shows how a family faced a life-threatening storm at sea with optimism and bravery, which helped them survive. — These questions are designed to encourage personal reflection and sharing of experiences related to fear and courage, drawing from real-life examples and literature.

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

A third-person narration would describe Douglas's experience from an external viewpoint, focusing on his actions and emotions without the intimate access to his thoughts and feelings. For example: "Douglas was gripped by panic as he struggled in the water, his legs freezing each time he went under. The instructor patiently guided him, teaching him to breathe and kick. Over time, Douglas gained confidence and finally swam across the lake, conquering his fear."

This style is less personal and may lack the immediacy and emotional depth of the first-person account. The first-person narration is more effective here because it allows readers to connect deeply with Douglas's internal struggle and triumph. — The answer explains the difference between first and third person narration and justifies the effectiveness of the first-person style in conveying personal experience.

Question 5

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."

2. Write a short letter to someone you know about your having learnt to do something new.

Accepted Answer

1. (Sample essay outline)
- Introduction: Describe the activity and initial nervousness or fear.
- Body Paragraphs: Detail the causes of fear, feelings experienced, and how encouragement or criticism helped.
- Conclusion: Describe the moment of overcoming fear and the sense of achievement.

2. (Sample letter)
Dear [Name],
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to share with you that I have recently learnt to [activity]. It was challenging at first, but with practice and support, I have become confident. I look forward to sharing more with you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name] — These writing tasks encourage students to reflect on personal experiences of overcoming fear and to practice letter writing skills.

Question 6

Are there any water sports in India? Find out about the areas or places which are known for water sports.

Accepted Answer

Yes, India has several water sports activities such as river rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing. Popular places for water sports include Goa, Kerala (especially Kovalam and Alleppey), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Rishikesh (for river rafting), and Daman. These locations offer various water-based adventure activities attracting tourists and sports enthusiasts. — This question encourages research and awareness about water sports in India and their popular locations.

Question 7

Who was William O. Douglas and what were the key highlights of his career?

Accepted Answer

William O. Douglas was a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, born in 1898 in Maine, Minnesota. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Economics, initially taught high school, then pursued law. He became an adviser and friend to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and served as the longest-serving Justice for thirty-six years until 1975. — William O. Douglas had a distinguished career as a Supreme Court Justice, known for advocating individual rights. His background in English, Economics, and law, along with his connection to Roosevelt, shaped his professional life. This overview sets the context for his autobiographical essay 'Deep Water.'

Question 8

What does the phrase 'subdued my pride' mean in the context of Douglas's decision to enter the pool wearing water wings?

Accepted Answer

Overcame his embarrassment to try swimming — The phrase 'subdued my pride' means Douglas overcame his embarrassment about showing his skinny legs and wearing water wings to learn swimming. It reflects his willingness to put aside personal discomfort for a goal.

Question 9

What was the 'misadventure' that William Douglas experienced at the Y.M.C.A. pool?

Accepted Answer

The misadventure was when an older boy threw Douglas into the deep end of the pool, causing him to swallow water, sink to the bottom, and struggle with intense fear and near-drowning before being rescued. — Douglas describes being tossed into the nine-foot deep end unexpectedly, which triggered panic and a near-drowning experience. This traumatic event is central to his lifelong fear of water.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the sequence of emotions Douglas felt when he was thrown into the pool?

Accepted Answer

Panic, terror, paralysis, peaceful oblivion — Douglas experienced panic and terror as he struggled underwater, then paralysis from fear, followed by a peaceful oblivion as he relaxed and almost lost consciousness.

Question 11

What plan did Douglas make to reach the surface after sinking to the bottom of the pool?

Accepted Answer

make a big jump / spring upwards — Douglas planned to make a big jump or spring upwards from the bottom, come to the surface like a cork, lie flat on the water, and paddle to the edge of the pool to safety.

Question 12

Why did Douglas's plan to jump to the surface fail during his near-drowning experience?

Accepted Answer

Because his ascent was slow and his legs were paralysed, he could not propel himself quickly to the surface. The water held him down, and he could not find any rope or ladder to grab, causing him to panic and sink again. — Despite his plan, Douglas's legs did not work properly due to fear and paralysis, and the water's force prevented a quick rise, leading to increased panic and helplessness.

Question 13

What physical symptoms did Douglas experience after the near-drowning incident?

Accepted Answer

Vomiting, trembling, wobbly knees, inability to eat — Douglas was weak and trembling, vomited beside the pool, had wobbly knees, and could not eat for days due to the traumatic fear caused by the near-drowning.

Question 14

How did the near-drowning experience affect Douglas's relationship with water in the following years?

Accepted Answer

The experience caused Douglas to develop a deep fear of water. He avoided swimming and water activities, and whenever he was near rivers or lakes, the terror would return, paralyzing his legs and ruining his enjoyment of fishing and boating. — Douglas's traumatic experience led to a lasting psychological fear that limited his participation in water-related activities and caused physical symptoms of panic.

Question 15

What method did Douglas use to overcome his fear of water?

Accepted Answer

Douglas took swimming lessons with an instructor who used a belt and pulley system to support him. He practiced putting his face underwater and exhaling, kicking his legs, and gradually built up swimming skills through persistent practice over months. — The instructor's systematic approach helped Douglas reduce panic and regain control over his body, allowing him to overcome his fear step by step.

Deep Water About the author

Deep Water About the author — Study Notes

About the author

Introduction to the experience of fear

The misadventure: Near-drowning experience

Practice Questions — Deep Water About the author

All 13 Chapters in Flamingo