Class 12 English Flamingo Deep Water ( Long Answers)

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

Deep Water

(William Douglas)

Long Answer type Questions

Q1. “There was terror in my heart at the overpowering force of the waves.” When did Douglas start fearing water? Which experience had further strengthened its hold on his mind and personality’?

Ans. The ocean waves that knocked down young Douglas and engulfed him on the California beach instilled a deep fear in him when he was merely three or four years old. Clinging desperately to his father, he found himself submerged underwater, breathless and terrified. Although his father laughed, there was an underlying terror in his heart due to the overwhelming force of the waves.

When introduced to the Y.M.C.A. swimming pool, these unpleasant memories resurfaced, reigniting his childhood fears. Despite gaining some confidence, a misadventure occurred when an older boy tossed him into the nine-feet-deep end of the pool. Struggling to rise to the surface and reach the side, he failed twice, facing the imminent threat of drowning until timely rescue. This water-related terror left a lasting impact on his mind and became a significant hindrance to his overall personality.

 

Q2. Give an account of the fears and emotions of Douglas as he made efforts to save himself from being drowned in the Y.M.C.A. swimming pool.

Ans. Douglas experienced intense fear as he descended into the water. His active mind quickly devised a plan to prevent drowning, relying on the principle of water buoyancy. Recognizing that water has buoyant properties, he determined to execute a substantial jump as his feet touched the pool's bottom. The goal was to ascend swiftly like a cork, lie flat on the surface, and paddle towards the pool's edge.

As he approached the pool's bottom, his lungs were on the verge of bursting. Summoning all his strength, he executed a powerful jump, gradually ascending. However, all he could see was murky, yellow-colored water, inducing panic and a sense of suffocation. Attempting to shout, he inadvertently swallowed more water, choking and descending once again. His legs, stiff and unresponsive, refused to obey him, and he found himself breathless.

His lungs ached, head throbbed, and dizziness set in. Descending into the dark water once more, an overwhelming terror gripped Douglas, rendering him paralyzed underwater. Despite his reasoning urging him to jump again, his arms and legs remained immobile. Although his eyes and nose emerged from the water, his mouth did not, leading to another intake of water and a third descent. At this point, a profound darkness enveloped his consciousness, as he encountered the terror associated with the fear of death and the visceral sensation of dying.

 

Q3. What impression do you form of William O. Douglas on the basis of reading Deep Water?’

OR

Write the character sketch of  William O. Douglas ?

Ans. William Douglas was remarkably truthful and courageous. His detailed narrative, recounting fears and emotions while grappling with the threat of drowning in deep water, reflects a rare level of candor and bravery. Acknowledging one's faults and shortcomings demands courage, honesty, and strong willpower, qualities that Douglas evidently possesses.

His resolute efforts to overcome the fear of water underscore his unwavering determination, resolution, and robust willpower. With an analytical mind that diagnoses the issue and propels him to seek a solution, Douglas, though frightened of deep water, manages to retain his composure.

In his heroic struggle against fear, terror, and panic, Douglas ascends to a stature of heroism, becoming an exemplar and a living image of bravery and persistent endeavor. He epitomizes the refusal to surrender or yield, showcasing an indefatigable zeal that serves as a wellspring of inspiration for all, particularly the youth.

In essence, William Douglas impresses us as a person of frankness, truthfulness, honesty, and unyielding determination.

Q4. The story “Deep Water” has made you realize that with determination and perseverance one can accomplish the impossible. Write a paragraph in about 100 words on how a positive attitude and courage will aid you to achieve success in life. [Delhi 2014]

Ans. The role of willpower holds immense significance in the life of an individual. Success is characterized by unwavering determination and persistent hard work. Those who harbor a passionate desire to achieve specific goals tend to realize them within the designated timeframe. Various paths lead to these coveted objectives, and the willpower of an individual provides them with strength, energy, vigor, and enthusiasm. It essentially shapes the destiny of a person.

Absolute determination possesses a remarkable ability to confront and surmount obstacles. No impediment can triumph over the force of willpower; it stands as invincible and insurmountable. A person devoid of enthusiasm, willpower, and determination is akin to a ship without a helm, drifting on the water's surface according to the wind.

In this world, every problem has a solution, a fact demonstrated by the accomplishments of great personalities who have proven that sheer determination can overcome any obstacle. Humans have the capability to achieve the seemingly impossible in this era of science and technology. Rejecting fatalism and placing belief in karma, individuals can accomplish any task if they possess a strong desire. Success hinges on an unyielding will and steadfast determination, and for those who embody these qualities, disappointment finds no place in their lives. They invest tremendous efforts to attain greatness.