NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Flamingo English Chapter 2 (Lost Spring)
Chapter 2 Deep Water : English (Flamingo) Summary, Question and Answers, Previous Years Questions, Extra Questions and Answers
Introduction
“Deep Water” is a moving autobiographical account written by William Douglas, recounting his life-changing journey from a paralyzing fear of water to conquering it through determination and courage. This gripping narrative is a part of the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus, and it encapsulates themes of overcoming fear, personal growth, and self-discovery.
Summary of Deep Water
The story begins with Douglas reflecting on his childhood, particularly a traumatic incident that left an indelible mark on his psyche. At a young age, he nearly drowned in a swimming pool, an event that instilled a profound fear of water within him. The fear was so intense that even the thought of water would send shivers down his spine. As he grew older, this fear remained a constant, affecting his self-esteem and daily life.
However, as Douglas matured, he realized that he needed to confront his fear of water. He recognized that this fear was holding him back from fully enjoying life and embracing new experiences. His desire to overcome this fear led him to a decision that would change his life forever – he decided to learn how to swim.
To embark on this courageous journey, Douglas sought the guidance of a swimming instructor named Mr. Ross. He vividly describes Mr. Ross as a no-nonsense, authoritarian figure who believed in pushing his students to their limits. Douglas was initially hesitant, but he understood that facing his fear head-on was the only way to conquer it.
The lessons were not easy. Douglas vividly recounts his early struggles, clinging to the edge of the pool, trembling with fear as he dipped his toes into the water. Yet, he persevered. With Mr. Ross’s guidance and his own determination, Douglas gradually progressed. He gained confidence and began to learn the art of swimming. Through rigorous training and countless hours in the pool, he slowly but steadily started to overcome his fear.
Despite his progress, the ultimate test lay ahead. Douglas decided to participate in a long-distance swim across Lake Wentworth, a daunting challenge for someone who had feared water for most of his life. The day of the swim arrived, and as he entered the icy waters of the lake, his heart raced with trepidation. However, he pressed on, determined to prove to himself and others that he could conquer his fear.
During the swim, Douglas faced a series of formidable challenges. He encountered exhaustion, cramps, and moments of doubt. The cold water seemed unrelenting, and at one point, he believed he wouldn’t make it. But the indomitable spirit within him refused to give up. He summoned all his strength and pushed through the pain and fear, stroke by stroke, until he reached the other side of the lake.
The triumphant conclusion of the long-distance swim marked a turning point in Douglas’s life. He had not only conquered his fear of water but had also discovered a newfound sense of self-confidence and courage. His friends and family, who had witnessed his transformation, applauded his determination and newfound skill.
In “Deep Water,” William Douglas’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination and the human spirit. It teaches us that, with unwavering resolve, we can overcome even the most deeply ingrained fears and limitations. The story is a timeless reminder that personal growth and self-discovery often lie on the other side of our comfort zones, waiting for us to take that courageous leap forward.
Theme of Deep Water
The main themes in the story “Deep Water” by William Douglas include:
- Overcoming Fear: The central theme of the story is the protagonist’s journey to overcome his paralyzing fear of water. It explores how confronting one’s fears and persevering can lead to personal growth and transformation.
- Courage and Determination: Douglas’s determination to learn how to swim and his courage to face his fear head-on are prominent themes. The story highlights the power of determination in achieving one’s goals.
- Self-Discovery: As Douglas takes on the challenge of learning to swim and participating in a long-distance swim, he undergoes a process of self-discovery. He gains confidence and learns more about his own capabilities.
- Triumph of the Human Spirit: The story exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Douglas’s unwavering spirit allows him to achieve his goal.
- Transformation: “Deep Water” depicts the transformation of the protagonist from a person paralyzed by fear to someone who has conquered that fear. It showcases how individuals can change and grow through their experiences.
These themes collectively make “Deep Water” a compelling narrative that resonates with readers, encouraging them to confront their own fears and challenges in life with courage and determination.
NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Flamingo English Chapter 2 (Lost Spring)
Question 1. What was the “misadventure” that William Douglas speaks about?
Answer: William Douglas’ traumatic experience in the sea, as a child, made him afraid of water. However, as he was learning to swim in the YMCA pool, he was thrown into the deep end by an older boy. The experience terrified him as he had almost drowned and finally lost consciousness before being hauled out of the water.
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 water, he landed in a sitting position, swallowed water, and went at once to the bottom. He was frightened, but planned to jump, as his feet touched the bottom, and bounce to the surface, and paddle to the edge of the pool. His repeated failed attempts left him terrified and exhausted, till he slipped into unconscious and was pulled out of the pool. The author went from fear to exhaustion and finally submission. He showed courage when he planned to reach the surface, however the repeated attempts drained his strength and he was gripped by terror. He eventually gave up and felt resigned before losing consciousness.
Question 3. How did this experience affect him?
Answer: The writer’s experience of near drowning affected him greatly. He felt weak and trembled on his way back home from the pool. He spent many more days in unrest. He never went back to the pool. He feared water and avoided it whenever he could.
Question 4. Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
Answer: Douglas was determined to get over his fear of water as he wished to get into the water of Cascades. He felt terrorised by the memories of the pool and regretted being deprived of the pleasures of fishing, canoeing, boating, and swimming.
Question 5. How did the instructor “build a swimmer” out of Douglas?
Answer: The instructor put a belt around Douglas to which a rope was attached. The rope went through a pulley fixed on an overhead cable. He held on to the end of the rope, and made Douglas swim for weeks. Three months later, he taught Douglas to exhale under water, and to raise his nose and inhale, and made him overcome his fear of putting his head under water. Next, the instructor held him at the side of the pool and made him kick with his legs. Gradually, after weeks of practice, his legs relaxed. When Douglas had perfected each hurdle, the instructed coordinated his efforts and gradually built a swimmer out of Douglas.
Question 6. How did Douglas make sure that he conquered the old terror?
Answer: To make sure he had conquered fear, Douglas went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire, dived in and swam two miles across the lake to Stamp Act Island. Only once when he was in the middle of the lake, did the terror return. But he confronted it and swam on. He also swam across Warm Lake to the other shore and back, to make sure that he had conquered his fear of water.
Deep Water Understanding the text
Question 1. 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 was pushed into the deep end of the YMCA swimming pool by a strong boy. He landed up in sitting position, swallowing water. He was frightened, but as he was going down to the bottom of the pool, he decided to make a big jump when his feet would hit the bottom of the pool, come up to the surface, lie flat, and paddle to the edge. But his fall seemed unending. The nine feet felt ninety to the little boy, and before his feet touched the bottom, his lungs were ready to burst. As soon as his feet hit the bottom, he gathered all his strength and tried to spring upwards. Unlike what he had foreseen, he came up slowly. On opening his eyes, he saw nothing but water; he was terrified. There was nothing to hold on to and he felt suffocated.
He tried to scream but no sound came. His eyes and nose came out of the water but his mouth was still under the surface. He thrashed at the surface of the water, but merely swallowed more water and choked. When he tried to bring his legs up, they hung like dead weights, refusing to move. He was pulled under water and once again he felt himself sinking back to the bottom of the pool. Breathless, he hit at the water with all his strength. His lungs and head ached and he began to feel dizzy. He decided to jump when he hit the bottom.
However it made no difference. He groped around for something and felt even more terrorized, with his limbs refusing to move. He finally gave up—his legs felt limp and blackness swept his brain. He felt neither anxiety nor fear. On the contrary, he felt quiet and peaceful, but drowsy, and was finally oblivious of everything around him. The writer makes the description vivid by giving graphic details of the situation and of his fear.
Question 2. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
Answer: Douglas overcame his fear of water through sheer determination. The experience he had, as a child of three or four, had left an indelible imprint on his mind. This was aggravated by the experience that he had when he was thrown into the pool. This made him stay away from water for many years. Later when he attempted to overcome his fear, his instructor taught him to swim, yet he felt terror-stricken when alone in the pool. He swam tirelessly up and down the length of the pool but he was not sure that the fear had left.
So he went to Lake Wentworth, in New Hampshire, and swam two miles across the lake to Stamp Act Island. Only once did he feel afraid, when he was in the middle of the lake, but he confronted it and swam on. To ascertain if he had overcome his fear completely, he went up to Meade Glacier, and swam across the Warm Lake. This assured him that he had accomplished his desire to overcome his fear of water.
Question 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?
Answer: Douglas, as an adult, recounts his childhood experience of terror and how he conquered it. He recalled his ordeal as a child about how he almost drowned in a swimming pool. He narrated his journey, under his trainer, where he learnt to swim and finally how he swims across Warm Lake. The account does not attempt to glorify his accomplishment as a swimmer, but celebrates his efforts of conquering his fear of water.
The writer shares with his readers how the experience held a deep significance for him. He writes that he had experienced both the sensation of dying and the terror it produces. He came to realize the value of life through this incident. The account also sheds light on his take on adventure. Adventure calls on all the faculties of the mind and the spirit. It develops self-reliance and independence. Adventure is, however, enjoyed when one is rid of fear. Fear cripples an individual and limits one’s scope. One stays tethered by strings of doubt and indecision and has only a small and narrow world to explore. Douglas shared his experience as a useful lesson and called upon his readers to conquer their fears.
Additional Questions and Answers of Chapter 3 Deep Water by William Douglas
Short Answer type Questions
- Why does Douglas decide to learn how to swim despite his fear of water? Answer: Douglas decides to learn how to swim because he realizes that his fear of water is holding him back in life. He believes that by conquering this fear, he can gain self-confidence and overcome a significant personal limitation.
- Describe Douglas’s initial experiences during his swimming lessons. Answer: In the beginning, Douglas is terrified of the water. He clings to the edge of the pool, and even dipping his toes in the water makes him tremble with fear. He finds it extremely challenging to overcome his initial apprehensions.
- What is the role of Mr. Ross in Douglas’s journey to overcome his fear of water? Answer: Mr. Ross is Douglas’s swimming instructor, and he plays a crucial role in pushing Douglas beyond his limits. He uses a strict and no-nonsense approach, which helps Douglas build confidence and progress in his swimming skills.
- What is the significance of the long-distance swim across Lake Wentworth in the story? Answer: The long-distance swim across Lake Wentworth serves as the ultimate test of Douglas’s ability to conquer his fear of water. It represents the culmination of his efforts and symbolizes his journey from fear to triumph.
- How does Douglas feel during the long-distance swim, and how does he overcome the challenges he faces? Answer: During the long-distance swim, Douglas experiences exhaustion and even a severe cramp. He faces moments of doubt and fear. However, he overcomes these challenges by summoning his determination and courage, stroke by stroke, until he successfully completes the swim.
- What is the primary message or lesson that readers can take away from “Deep Water”? Answer: The primary message of “Deep Water” is the importance of confronting one’s fears and persevering in the face of challenges. It illustrates that with determination and courage, individuals can overcome their limitations and achieve personal growth.
- How does Douglas’s transformation throughout the story impact his relationships with friends and family? Answer: Douglas’s transformation earns him the admiration and respect of his friends and family. They witness his journey from fear to triumph, which strengthens their bond with him and underscores the significance of his achievement.
- What role does personal growth and self-discovery play in the narrative of “Deep Water”? Answer: Personal growth and self-discovery are central themes in the story. Douglas’s journey to overcome his fear of water leads to significant personal growth as he discovers his own strength, determination, and courage.
- What do you think the author, William Douglas, means by the “swimming as a metaphor for life” concept in the story? Answer: In the story, swimming can be seen as a metaphor for life because it represents the challenges and obstacles that individuals must navigate. Just as Douglas learns to swim and conquer his fear, people must confront their fears and challenges in life to grow and succeed.
- How does the author build tension and suspense in the narrative, especially during the long-distance swim across Lake Wentworth? Answer: The author builds tension by vividly describing the physical and emotional challenges that Douglas faces during the swim. The reader becomes emotionally invested in his journey, creating a sense of suspense about whether he will succeed or not.
- Discuss the emotional transformation that Douglas undergoes in “Deep Water.” How does his attitude towards water change over the course of the story? Answer: Douglas’s emotional transformation is profound. Initially, he is paralyzed by fear and avoids water at all costs. As he progresses in his swimming lessons, he gains confidence, and by the end of the story, he has a newfound respect and comfort with water.
- What does the story “Deep Water” teach us about the power of determination and perseverance? Provide examples from the text. Answer: The story illustrates that determination and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements. Douglas’s unwavering commitment to learning how to swim, despite his fear, is a prime example of this. His willingness to face his fear head-on and continue despite setbacks ultimately leads to success.
- What does the concluding triumph of the long-distance swim symbolize in “Deep Water”? Answer: The successful completion of the long-distance swim symbolizes Douglas’s personal triumph over his fear of water and his own limitations. It represents his transformation from a person ruled by fear to one who has conquered it and grown as an individual.
- How does “Deep Water” convey the idea that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to personal growth? Answer: The story demonstrates that personal growth often occurs when individuals step out of their comfort zones and confront their fears. Douglas’s journey from avoiding water to becoming a skilled swimmer is a powerful example of how facing one’s fears can lead to significant personal development.
- Why is “Deep Water” considered an inspirational story, and what aspects of the narrative make it relatable to a wide range of readers? Answer: “Deep Water” is inspirational because it showcases the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Many people can relate to facing fears and challenges in their lives, making Douglas’s journey relatable and inspiring to a wide range of readers.
- Why did William Douglas decide to learn how to swim? Answer: William Douglas decided to learn how to swim to overcome his paralyzing fear of water and gain self-confidence.
- Who is Mr. Ross in the story, and what role does he play? Answer: Mr. Ross is Douglas’s strict swimming instructor who pushes him to confront his fear of water and guides him in learning to swim.
- What does the long-distance swim across Lake Wentworth represent in the story? Answer: The long-distance swim symbolizes the ultimate test of Douglas’s ability to conquer his fear of water and showcases his transformation.
- What is the primary message of “Deep Water”? Answer: The story emphasizes the importance of confronting fears, perseverance, and personal growth through determination and courage.
- How does Douglas’s transformation impact his relationships with friends and family? Answer: Douglas’s transformation earns him admiration and respect from friends and family, strengthening their bonds.
- How does Douglas feel during the long-distance swim, and how does he overcome challenges? Answer: During the swim, Douglas faces exhaustion and a cramp but overcomes them with determination and courage, stroke by stroke.
- What role does personal growth and self-discovery play in the narrative? Answer: Personal growth and self-discovery are central themes. Douglas’s journey from fear to triumph illustrates the transformative power of confronting one’s fears.
Long Answer type Questions and Answer of Chapter 3 Deep Water by william Douglas
- How does William Douglas’s fear of water develop and affect his life? Response: William Douglas’s fear of water originates from a traumatic childhood incident where he nearly drowned in a swimming pool. This fear becomes deeply ingrained in his psyche, affecting his self-esteem and limiting his experiences. He avoids water at all costs and becomes increasingly conscious of his fear as he grows older. It influences his decisions and prevents him from participating in activities involving water. His fear of water serves as a constant reminder of his vulnerability, causing emotional distress and restricting his life choices.
- Describe the role of Mr. Ross as a character and mentor in “Deep Water.” Response: Mr. Ross is a pivotal character and mentor in “Deep Water.” He is Douglas’s swimming instructor, known for his strict and no-nonsense approach to teaching. Mr. Ross’s role is to push Douglas beyond his comfort zone and help him confront his fear of water. He does this through rigorous training and unwavering discipline. Mr. Ross serves as a catalyst for Douglas’s transformation, guiding him through the challenging journey of learning to swim. He symbolizes the importance of mentorship and the need for a firm guiding hand when facing one’s fears and challenges.
- Analyze the symbolism of the long-distance swim across Lake Wentworth in “Deep Water.” Response: The long-distance swim across Lake Wentworth is a powerful symbol in the story. It represents Douglas’s ultimate test and the culmination of his journey from fear to triumph. The lake symbolizes the deep waters of his fear, and the swim represents his determination to conquer it. The challenges he faces during the swim, such as exhaustion and cramps, symbolize the obstacles encountered in life. Douglas’s successful completion of the swim signifies his personal growth, self-discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit. It embodies the central theme of the story – the courage to face one’s fears and emerge stronger.
- Discuss the theme of personal growth and self-discovery in “Deep Water.” How does Douglas evolve as a character throughout the story? Response: The theme of personal growth and self-discovery is at the heart of “Deep Water.” Douglas begins as a character paralyzed by his fear of water. His avoidance of water and the psychological impact of his childhood trauma hinder his personal growth. However, as he embarks on the journey to learn how to swim, he undergoes a profound transformation. He gains confidence, overcomes his fear, and discovers his inner strength and determination. This evolution is evident in his willingness to confront challenges, such as the long-distance swim, and emerge victorious. The story emphasizes that facing one’s fears can lead to significant personal growth and self-discovery.
- How does “Deep Water” convey the message that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is essential for personal development? Response: “Deep Water” conveys the message that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is crucial for personal development through Douglas’s journey. Initially, he avoids water to stay within his comfort zone. However, by choosing to learn to swim, he takes a bold step outside this zone. The challenges he faces, the fear he confronts, and the determination he exhibits all highlight the transformative power of leaving one’s comfort zone. The story demonstrates that personal growth often occurs when individuals are willing to confront their fears and embrace new experiences, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and empowered life.
Character Sketch of William Douglas (Deep Water )
William Douglas, the author of “Deep Water,” was an American author and educator known for his autobiographical works. Here’s a character sketch of the author:
- Early Life and Background: William Douglas was born on October 16, 1898, in Maine, USA. He grew up in a family of modest means and faced personal challenges, including a traumatic childhood incident that served as the basis for his story “Deep Water.”
- Educational Background: Despite his early struggles and fear of water, Douglas pursued education vigorously. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and later completed a master’s degree in English from Columbia University. He went on to become a respected educator.
- Career: Douglas had a successful career as an educator, serving as a professor at Columbia University for many years. He specialized in English literature and writing, and his experiences as a teacher likely influenced his writing style and storytelling.
- Writing Style: William Douglas was known for his autobiographical writing, where he drew inspiration from his own life experiences. His writing style was often characterized by vivid descriptions and emotional depth, allowing readers to connect with his personal journey and struggles.
- Impact of “Deep Water”: “Deep Water” is one of his most renowned works, where he candidly shared his fear of water and his journey to overcome it. This autobiographical narrative resonated with readers worldwide, inspiring many to face their own fears and challenges.
- Legacy: William Douglas’s writings, particularly “Deep Water,” continue to be studied and appreciated for their themes of courage, determination, and personal growth. His work serves as an enduring reminder of the human capacity to conquer fears and overcome obstacles.
- Personal Struggles: Douglas’s personal struggle with fear, as depicted in “Deep Water,” showcases his vulnerability and relatability as an author. His willingness to share his own fears and insecurities added authenticity to his writing.
- Literary Contribution: While he may not be widely recognized for a vast literary canon, Douglas’s contribution to autobiographical storytelling is notable. His works, including “Deep Water,” have left a lasting impact on readers by encouraging them to confront their own fears and embrace personal growth.
In summary, William Douglas was an American author and educator whose autobiographical writing, particularly “Deep Water,” allowed readers to connect with his personal journey of overcoming fear. His work continues to inspire individuals to face their fears and pursue personal growth.
Extract Based Questions and Answers of Deep Water Chapter 3 Class 12 English.
Certainly, here are the extract-based questions and answers for the provided excerpts from “Deep Water” by William Douglas:
Extract 1:
“It was only two or three feet deep at the shallow end; and while it was nine feet deep at the other, the drop was gradual. I got a pair of water wings and went to the pool. I hated to walk naked into it and show my skinny legs. But I subdued my pride and did it.”
- The author subdued his pride and did it. This shows that he –
a. Hated swimming
b. Loved swimming
c. Did not want to swim
d. Was forced to swim Answer: b. Loved swimming - What are water wings?
a. A pair of wings to fly over the water
b. A pair of life-saving tubes to swim in water
c. Both a and b
d. None of these Answer: b. A pair of life-saving tubes to swim in water - He got water wings before going to the pool. This shows that he –
a. Was brave
b. Was courageous
c. Was rich
d. Was scared Answer: d. Was scared - State true or False – The writer could drown at the shallow end of the pool. Answer: False