NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 3 Deep Water
Summary of English Flamingo Chapter 3 Deep Water Class 12
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Important Questions Flamingo Chapter 3 Deep Water Class 12
Page No. 27
Question 1:
What is the “misadventure” that William Douglas speaks about?
Answer
The “misadventure” refers to the incident when a big bruiser of about eighteen years old picked up William Douglas and tossed him into the deep end of the Y.M.C.A. pool. Douglas sank to the bottom of the pool and nearly drowned. This experience created a deep fear of water in him that stayed with him for many years.
Question 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 was frightened and panicked. He sank to the bottom and felt that he would not be able to come up. He became suffocated, tried to scream but no sound came out, swallowed water, and his legs became paralyzed with fear. He felt dizzy and helpless as a great force pulled him under the water.
He planned to make a big jump upwards when his feet touched the bottom and come to the surface. He thought he would spring up like a rocket, open his eyes, and reach the surface to escape to the shore. However, his plan failed because he moved up very slowly and became more frightened.
Question 3:
How did this experience affect him?
Answer
This experience created a deep fear of water in Douglas. For days, he was haunted by the fear and never went back to the pool. Whenever he went near water, terror seized him, his legs became paralyzed, and an icy fear grabbed his heart. This fear remained with him for many years and prevented him from enjoying swimming.
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 3 Deep Water
Page No. 29
Question 1:
Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
Answer
Douglas was determined to get over his fear of water because the fear ruined his enjoyment of activities like fishing, canoeing, and swimming. He wanted to be free from this fear and enjoy water activities without any terror. Therefore, he decided to overcome his fear and hired an instructor to learn swimming properly.
Question 2:
How did the instructor “build a swimmer” out of Douglas?
Answer
The instructor built a swimmer out of Douglas through systematic training and repeated practice. He put a belt around Douglas with a rope attached to it through a pulley and made him practise swimming in the pool. He taught him how to put his face under water, exhale, raise his nose, and inhale. He also taught him how to kick with his legs. After weeks of practice, Douglas learned to control his legs and swim confidently. Finally, the instructor made him a real swimmer.
Question 3:
How did Douglas make sure that he conquered the old terror?
Answer
Douglas made sure that he conquered the old terror by testing himself in real situations. He went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire and dived off a dock at Triggs Island. He swam two miles across the lake to Stamp Act Island. During the swim, the old fear returned for a while, but he continued swimming until the fear completely disappeared. Thus, he finally conquered his fear of water.
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 3 Deep Water
Understanding the text
Question 1:
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
Douglas recounts his childhood experience to show how he overcame his fear of water through courage, determination, and continuous effort. He wanted to share that fear can be defeated with strong willpower and proper guidance.
The larger meaning he draws from this experience is that there is no real terror except the fear of death itself. Once fear is conquered, one can achieve freedom and peace. Therefore, we should fear fear itself and not allow it to control our lives.
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.
Answer
Douglas makes the reader feel his panic by describing his physical and mental condition when he was drowning. He says that he became suffocated, tried to scream but no sound came out, swallowed water, and his legs became paralyzed with fear. He felt dizzy and helpless as he was pulled deeper into the water.
The description becomes vivid through details like his lungs about to burst, his eyes seeing nothing but water, the feeling of terror and fear, and the moment when darkness covered his brain. These details make the reader understand the intense panic and helplessness Douglas experienced.
Question 3:
How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
Answer
Douglas overcame his fear of water through determination, courage, and regular practice. He hired an instructor who trained him step by step. The instructor taught him breathing exercises, kicking, and swimming techniques. After months of practice, Douglas became a confident swimmer. To make sure that his fear had completely disappeared, he swam across Lake Wentworth. Finally, he conquered his old terror of water.
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 3 Deep Water
Talking about the text
Question 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
Yes, I had a fear of speaking in front of others. Earlier, I felt nervous and lacked confidence while expressing my thoughts before a group. I decided to overcome this fear by practising regularly, preparing well, and participating in class activities. Slowly, my confidence increased, and I was able to speak comfortably in front of others. This experience taught me that fear can be overcome with courage, practice, and determination.
Question 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.
Answer
One example of conquering fear is the life of Nelson Mandela. He faced many difficulties and spent many years in prison during his struggle against apartheid in South Africa. However, he never lost courage or hope. His determination helped him continue his mission of achieving freedom and equality for all people.
Mandela believed that “the brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” His life teaches us that courage, patience, and perseverance help people overcome even the greatest challenges.
Another example is the story “We’re Not Afraid to Die…” where the family faces a dangerous situation at sea. Their courage, teamwork, and optimism help them survive the difficult time. These stories show that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to face fear with confidence and determination.
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 3 Deep Water
