Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 3 – Deep Water

Lesson: Deep Water

Summary:

The excerpt from William Douglas' "Of Men and Mountains" recounts his traumatic childhood experience with water, leading to a lifelong fear. Overcoming it through systematic swimming practice symbolizes triumph over fear.

20 Word Meanings:

• Aversion: A strong dislike or disinclination towards something.
• Misadventure: Unfortunate or unlucky event or occurrence.
• Treacherous: Hazardous or dangerous, posing risks or potential harm.
• Subdued: Calmed or controlled, restrained in manner or behavior.
• Paralysed: Unable to move or function, typically due to extreme fear or injury.
• Expend: To use up or consume, especially energy or resources.
• Stark: Harsh or severe, devoid of any embellishment or decoration.
• Seize: To take hold of suddenly and forcibly, grasp or capture.
• Haunting: Persistently recurring in one's mind, often with a sense of dread or unease.
• Vestiges: Trace or remnants of something that once existed but is now disappearing or gone.
• Frown: To furrow one's brow in displeasure or disapproval, show disapproving facial expression.
• Residual: Remaining or left over after the main part has been removed or taken away.
• Conquer: To overcome or defeat, especially in a struggle or battle.
• Intensity: The degree or strength of something, often referring to emotions or sensations.
• Stark Terror: Extreme fear or dread that is clear and palpable.
• Triumph: A great victory or achievement, success in overcoming adversity or difficulty.
• Brush Aside: To dismiss or disregard something, often with ease or indifference.
• Sensation: A physical or emotional feeling or experience.
• Will: The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action.
• Intensity: The quality of being intense, especially in regard to emotions or sensations.

Proverb:

"All we have to fear is fear itself." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

(A proverbial expression emphasizing that often, fear is the primary obstacle to overcome, rather than the actual threat.)

Courage in Literature

Nelson Mandela's struggle for freedom and his perseverance to achieve his mission of liberating both the oppressed and the oppressor is a powerful example of conquering fear. Despite facing immense adversity, including imprisonment for 27 years, Mandela remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice and equality. His autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom," narrates his journey with courage and determination, inspiring countless individuals around the world.

Similarly, the story "We're Not Afraid To Die," which is often included in Class XI curriculum, illustrates how courage and optimism can help a family survive under extreme stress. In the face of a storm while sailing around the world, the family faces numerous challenges and dangers. However, their unwavering courage and determination to overcome obstacles enable them to navigate through the storm and ultimately reach safety.

Quotes about courage abound in literature and history, serving as reminders of the human spirit's resilience in the face of fear. One such quote by Mark Twain states, "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear." This highlights that courage isn't the absence of fear but the ability to confront and overcome it.

In essence, stories like Mandela's struggle for freedom and the family's resilience in "We're Not Afraid To Die" showcase the transformative power of courage in overcoming fear and adversity.

Portrayal of Panic in Douglas' Narrative

Douglas vividly portrays the sense of panic that gripped him as he almost drowned through descriptive details that evoke intense emotions and sensations. He meticulously describes the physical and psychological turmoil he experienced, painting a vivid picture for the reader.

Firstly, Douglas recounts the physical sensations of suffocation and helplessness as he struggled underwater. He describes how his lungs ached, his head throbbed, and his breath was gone, conveying the overwhelming struggle for air and the desperate fight for survival.

Additionally, Douglas uses sensory details to immerse the reader in the scene. He describes the murky, yellowish water surrounding him, the feeling of his hands grasping at nothing but water, and the terror of being unable to see through the dark depths. These details evoke a sense of claustrophobia and disorientation, amplifying the reader's understanding of Douglas' panic.

Moreover, Douglas portrays the psychological aspect of his panic through his inner thoughts and emotions. He recalls his terror as he realized he was being pulled under, the paralysis of fear rendering him unable to move or call for help. His vivid description of screaming underwater, with only his heart and pounding head confirming his continued existence, underscores the profound psychological impact of the ordeal.

Overall, through a combination of physical sensations, sensory details, and emotional introspection, Douglas effectively conveys the overwhelming sense of panic that gripped him during his near-drowning experience, ensuring the reader fully comprehends the depth of his terror.

Douglas' Triumph Over Fear of Water

Douglas overcame his fear of water through systematic practice, persistence, and the guidance of a skilled instructor. Despite his deep-rooted fear stemming from a traumatic childhood experience, Douglas made a conscious decision to confront and conquer his fear.

He sought professional help and enrolled in swimming lessons, committing himself to regular practice sessions. Under the guidance of his instructor, Douglas underwent exposure therapy and gradual desensitization, slowly acclimating himself to the water and facing his fears head-on.

His instructor employed various techniques to help Douglas build confidence and proficiency in swimming. They started with basic exercises, such as kicking with legs and exhaling underwater, gradually progressing to more advanced skills like diving and swimming strokes.

Through relentless practice and perseverance, Douglas gradually shed the layers of panic and fear that had plagued him for years. Each small triumph over his fear bolstered his confidence and resolve, propelling him closer to his goal of becoming a proficient swimmer.

Ultimately, after months of dedicated effort and overcoming numerous challenges, Douglas reached a pivotal moment where he was able to swim independently and confidently. His journey from paralyzing fear to mastery of the water symbolizes the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and fear.