Chapter 3 Deep Water Solutions
Question - 41 : - Explain the statement— ‘The instructor was finished”.
Answer - 41 : -
The narrator had engaged an instructor who would teach him to swim. He helped Douglas to get rid of the icy horror of water bodies by attaching a rope to a belt worn by him. Holding the end of the rope in his hand, he made Douglas go back and forth in the pool. Next, with the help of breathing techniques and exercises like kicking with his legs, the instructor managed to build a swimmer of him bit by bit, step by step.
The instructor also helped him in building up stamina, thus improving his confidence. The instructor was hired in the month of October. By April, he put all he had taught into an integrated whole. Thus, in a period of about six months, the instructor ‘built a swimmer’ out of Douglas. It was time for the instructor to go away then, because he had finished with his training.
Question - 42 : - Roosevelt said, “All we have to fear is fear itself.” Do you agree? Why/why not?
Answer - 42 : -
The quote, “All we have to fear is fear itself “, by the American President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, is absolutely true. It is only the fear of consequences which prevents us from taking an action, and hampers our progress, not only as an individual, but also as a society.
William. Douglas writes, “In death there is peace. There is terror only in the fear of death.” It is his fear of drowning which makes him develop an aversion to water, and avoid going near water bodies, or indulging in water sports. When he is able to overcome his fear with the help of the instructor, he is able to learn to swim. Likewise, there are numerous incidents around us that show how fear cripples the mind of an individual and society, and acts as an impediment to growth.
Question - 43 : - Desire, determination and diligence lead to success. Explain the value of these qualities in the light of Douglas’experience in ‘Deep Water’.
Answer - 43 : -
The terror of water followed Douglas wherever he went. To get rid of it, he made a strong determination. He decided to overcome his fear through his ‘will.’ He engaged an instructor who perfected him in swimming. The instructor gave him hundreds of exercises and taught him to exhale and inhale in water.
The practice went on for three months and Douglas was able to counter his terror. Then after more exercises, the instructor ordered him to dive. He swam across lakes also to gain confidence. He had now completely lost his fear of water. His desire, determination and diligence had succeeded in banishing his fear of water.