Chapter 3: Deep Water – William O. Douglas
NCERT SOLUTION
Page 27 – Comprehension Check
Q1. What is the “misadventure” that William Douglas speaks about?
Answer:
The “misadventure” refers to the incident at the YMCA pool in Yakima when Douglas, about 10–11 years old, was suddenly thrown into the deep end by a bigger boy. He nearly drowned and developed a lifelong fear of water.
Q2. 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:
At first, Douglas was frightened but tried to stay calm. He planned to spring from the bottom and come up like a cork. But as he sank, terror seized him. His attempts to kick and strike failed, he struggled for breath, felt paralysed, and was gripped by stark terror. Finally, he lost consciousness.
Q3. How did this experience affect him?
Answer:
The experience left him with a haunting fear of water. He avoided swimming, boating, and fishing. Even the sight of water would bring back memories of suffocation and panic, ruining many joys of outdoor life.
Page 29 – Understanding the Text
Q1. 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 describes every detail: his slow sinking, suffocation, the yellow water, his lungs ready to burst, his futile efforts, and the feeling of paralysis. His comparison of terror to a “charge of electricity” and his description of his frozen screams make the panic realistic and vivid.
Q2. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
Answer:
Douglas hired a swimming instructor who trained him systematically with the help of a rope-and-pulley system. He practiced breathing, leg movements, and strokes until he mastered swimming. Later, he tested himself in pools and lakes until he was completely free of fear.
Q3. 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:
He recounts it to show that fear is more dangerous than death itself. Once fear is conquered, life becomes free and enjoyable. He echoes Roosevelt’s words: “All we have to fear is fear itself.” The story conveys the universal message of courage, perseverance, and the will to live.
Page 29 – Talking about the Text
Q1. “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 (Model):
Yes, I once feared speaking on stage. My hands trembled, and my voice choked. With practice, encouragement from teachers, and by participating in debates, I overcame it. Now I can speak confidently before an audience.
Q2. Find and narrate other stories about conquest of fear and what people have said about courage.
Answer (Model):
Nelson Mandela overcame fear of oppression through courage and perseverance, leading South Africa to freedom. In We’re Not Afraid to Die (Class XI), a family faced storms at sea with courage and optimism, surviving the worst danger. These stories show courage is not absence of fear but victory over it.
Q3. Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
Answer:
Because it ruined many pleasures of life — swimming, boating, and fishing. He wanted to live freely and enjoy nature without being handicapped by fear.
Q4. How did the instructor “build a swimmer” out of Douglas?
Answer:
The instructor trained him step by step: first making him cross the pool with a rope and pulley, then practicing breathing, leg-kicking, and strokes separately. Finally, he combined them all, making Douglas a complete swimmer.
Q5. How did Douglas make sure that he conquered the old terror?
Answer:
Douglas tested himself in different water bodies like Lake Wentworth and Warm Lake. He swam long distances, even when a trace of fear returned, he challenged it with confidence until the terror vanished completely.
Page 30 – Thinking about Language
Q1. If someone else had narrated Douglas’s experience, how would it have differed from this account?
Answer:
If narrated by someone else, the account would have lacked the intensity of feelings. The first-person narration brings out the raw terror and emotions vividly. A third-person version would be more detached and less powerful.
Page 30 – Writing
Q1. Write an essay recounting an experience of overcoming fear in any activity.
Answer (Sample beginning):
“At last I felt released — free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear.” Similarly, I once feared riding a bicycle. After many falls, bruises, and encouragement from friends, I mastered it. The joy of riding freely made me realise that fear disappears only through persistence and courage.
Q2. Write a short letter to someone you know about your having learnt to do something new.
Answer (Sample Letter):
Dear Friend,
I am happy to tell you that I have finally learnt swimming. Initially, I was nervous and even afraid of water. But with the help of a coach and regular practice, I can now swim confidently. This achievement has boosted my self-confidence greatly.
Yours lovingly,
XYZ
Page 30 – Things to Do
Q: Are there any water sports in India? Find out about the areas or places which are known for water sports.
Answer:
Yes, India offers several water sports:
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River Rafting: Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)
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Water Skiing & Parasailing: Goa, Kerala
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Scuba Diving & Snorkelling: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep
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Kayaking & Canoeing: Kerala backwaters, Teesta River (Sikkim)