Class 12 English: Hindi Translation of Deep Water

Class 12 English: Hindi Translation of Deep Water from Book Flamingo

About the Author – William Douglas

William Douglas (1898–1980) was a legal expert and the longest-serving justice in the U.S. Supreme Court. He was a strong supporter of individual rights. His book, Of Men and Mountains, includes personal experiences, like the fear of drowning, which he overcame. This essay is taken from that book.

विलियम डगलस (1898-1980) एक कानून-विशेषज्ञ और यू.एस. सुप्रीम कोर्ट में सबसे लंबे समय तक सेवा देने वाले न्यायाधीश थे। वे व्यक्तिगत अधिकारों के प्रबल समर्थक थे। उनकी पुस्तक, ‘ऑफ मेन एंड माउंटेंस’ में डूबने के डर जैसे व्यक्तिगत अनुभव शामिल हैं, जिस पर उन्होंने काबू पाया। यह निबंध उसी पुस्तक से लिया गया है।

About the Lesson

The story “Deep Water” is about overcoming fear. Douglas shares a personal incident where he nearly drowned in a swimming pool as a child. The event left him terrified of water for years. However, he eventually overcame this fear through determination and persistence. The lesson highlights how fear can be conquered and how doing so can lead to freedom and confidence.

कहानी “डीप वॉटर” डर पर काबू पाने के बारे में है। डगलस एक व्यक्तिगत घटना साझा करते हैं, जब वे एक बच्चे के रूप में स्विमिंग पूल में लगभग डूब गए थे। इस घटना ने उन्हें सालों तक पानी से भयभीत कर दिया। हालाँकि, उन्होंने अंततः दृढ़ संकल्प और दृढ़ता के माध्यम से इस डर पर काबू पा लिया। यह पाठ इस बात पर प्रकाश डालता है कि कैसे डर पर विजय प्राप्त की जा सकती है और ऐसा करने से कैसे स्वतंत्रता और आत्मविश्वास प्राप्त होता है।

Deep Water Class 12 Summary

Douglas had a terrifying experience at the YMCA swimming pool when he was about 10 or 11 years old. A bigger boy pushed him into the deep end of the pool, and he struggled to survive. He experienced a sense of helplessness and came close to drowning. This incident left him with a deep fear of water.

Later, Douglas decided to face his fear. With the help of an instructor, he learned to swim step by step. Gradually, he overcame his terror through practice and willpower. Finally, he swam across lakes and fully conquered his fear of water.

The story teaches that fear is often more daunting than the actual danger and can be defeated with courage and effort.

जब डगलस लगभग 10 या 11 साल के थे, तब उन्हें YMCA स्विमिंग पूल में एक भयानक अनुभव हुआ था। एक बड़े लड़के ने उन्हें पूल के गहरे छोर पर धकेल दिया, और वे बचने के लिए संघर्ष करते रहे। उन्हें असहायता का एहसास हुआ और वे डूबने के करीब पहुँच गए। इस घटना ने उन्हें पानी से गहरा डर दिया।

बाद में, डगलस ने अपने डर का सामना करने का फैसला किया। एक प्रशिक्षक की मदद से, उसने कदम दर कदम तैरना सीखा। धीरे-धीरे, उसने अभ्यास और इच्छाशक्ति के माध्यम से अपने डर पर काबू पा लिया। अंत में, उसने झीलों को तैरकर पार किया और पानी के अपने डर पर पूरी तरह से विजय प्राप्त की।

कहानी सिखाती है कि डर अक्सर वास्तविक खतरे से अधिक भयावह होता है और साहस और प्रयास से इसे हराया जा सकता है।

Para-1

It had happened when I was ten or eleven years old. I had decided to learn to swim. There was a pool at the Y.M.C.A. in Yakima that offered exactly the opportunity. The Yakima River was treacherous. Mother continually warned against it, and kept fresh in my mind the details of each drowning in the river. But the Y.M.C.A. pool was safe. 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.

यह तब हुआ जब मैं कोई दस या ग्यारह वर्ष का था। मैंने तैरना सीखने की ठान ली थी। यकीमा में वाई.एम.सी.ए. के अंदर एक तालाब था जो ठीक ऐसा अवसर देता था। यकीमा की नदी खतरनाक थी। माँ सदा इसके खिलाफ चेतावनी देती रहती थी और वह डूबने का विस्तृत वर्णन मेरे दिमाग में ताजा बनाए रखती थी। परंतु वाई.एम.सी.ए. का ताल सुरक्षित था। उथले किनारे पर तो यह केवल दो या तीन फुट ही गहरा था और यद्यपि दूसरे किनारे पर यह नौ फुट गहरा था, गहराई धीरे-धीरे बढ़ती थी। मैंने जलपरों का एक जोड़ा उठाया और ताल की ओर चल पड़ा। उसके अंदर नंगे जाकर अपनी पतली-पतली टाँगें दिखाना मुझे कतई पसंद न वा। पर मैंने अपने अभिमान को दबाया और वह किया।

Para-2

From the beginning, however, I had an aversion to the waterwhen I was in it. This started when I was three or four years old and father took me to the beach in California. He and I stood together in the surf. I hung on to him, yet the waves knocked me down and swept over me. I was buried in water. My breath was gone. I was frightened. Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart at the overpowering force of the waves. My introduction to the Y.M.CA. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears. But in a little while I gathered confidence. I paddled with my new water wings, watching the other boys and trying to learn by aping them. I did this two or three times on different days and was just beginning to feel at ease in the water when the misadventure happened.I went to the pool when no one else was there. The place was quiet. The water was still, and the tiled bottom was as white and clean as a bathtub. I was timid about going in alone, so I sat on the side of the pool to wait for others.

पर प्रारंभ से ही, पानी के अंदर होने पर मुझे पानी से घृष्णा होती थी। यह तब से प्रारंभ हुई जब मैं तीन या चार वर्ष का था और पिता मुझे केलीफोर्निया के समुद्रतट पर ले गए थे। वे और मैं टकराती लहरों के बीच खड़े थे। मैं उन्हें पकड़े हुए बा. फिर भी लहरों ने मुझे गिरा दिया और मेरे ऊपर से गुजर गयी। मैं पानी के अंदर दफन हो गया था। मेरी साँस रूक गई थी। मैं डरा हुआ था। पिता हँस रहे थे परन्तु लहरों को पराजित करने वाली शक्ति का आतंक मेरे दिल में था।

वाई.एम.सी.ए. के तरणताल के परिचय ने दुःखद यादों को पुनर्जीवित कर दिया और बचपन के डर को जगा दिया। पर कुछ देर में ही मुझमें आत्मविश्वास आ गया। अपने नए जल-परों को पहने मैंने हाथ-पैर मारना प्रारंभ किया और दूसरे लड़कों की नकल करके सीखने का प्रयत्न किया। अलग-अलग दिनों में मैंने तीन-चार बार ऐसा किया और अभी आत्मविश्वास आना प्रारंभ ही हुआ था कि तब एक दुर्घटना हो गई।
मैं ताल पर गया जब कोई और वहाँ नहीं था। जल शांत था और टाइल लगा हुआ तल स्नान के टब की भाँति सफेद और स्वच्छ था। अकेले अंदर प्रवेश करके मैं डर रहा था, अतः अन्यों की प्रतीक्षा करते हुए मैं तालाब के एक तरफ बैठ गया।

Para-3

I had not been there long when in came a big bruiser of a boy, probably eighteen years old. He had thick hair on his chest. He was a beautiful physical specimen, with legs and arms that showed rippling muscles. He yelled, “Hi, Skinny! How’d you like to be ducked?”With that he picked me up and tossed me into the deep end. I landed in a sitting position, swallowed water, and went at once to the bottom. I was frightened, but not yet frightened out of my wits. On the way down I planned: When my feet hit the bottom, I would make a big jump, come to the surface, lie flat on it, and paddle to the edge of the pool. It seemed a long way down. Those nine feet were more like ninety, and before I touched bottom my lungs were ready to burst. But when my feet hit bottom I summoned all my strength and made what I thought was a great spring upwards. I imagined I would bob to the surface like a cork. Instead, I came up slowly. I opened my eyes and saw nothing but water — water that had a dirty yellow tinge to it. I grew panicky. I reached up as if to grab a rope and my hands clutched only at water. I was suffocating. I tried to yell but no sound came out. Then my eyes and nose came out of the water — but not my mouth.

मुझे अभी वहाँ अधिक देर नहीं हुई थी कि एक शक्तिशाली आदमी जैसा लड़का वहाँ आया, कोई अठारह वर्ष का होगा। उसकी छाती पर घने काले बाल थे। वह सुंदर स्वास्थ्य का नमूना था, उसकी टांग और बाजू की मांसपेशियों लहरा रही थी। वह चीखा, ‘ओ पलतू! तुम्हें डूबना कैसा लगेगा?’ इसके साथ ही उसने मुझे उठा लिया और मुझे पानी में फेंक दिया। मैं बैठी हुई स्थिति में आकर गिरा, पानी निगला और तुरंत ही तल पर पहुँच गया। मैं डर गया पर अभी इतना नहीं कि होश-हवाश खो दूँ। नीचे गिरते हुए मैंने योजना बनाई। जब मेरे पैर जमीन पर पड़ेंगे मैं, बड़ी छलांग लगाऊँगा, सतह पर आ जाऊँगा, और उस पर सीधा लेट जाऊँगा फिर तैर कर ताल के किनारे पर पहुँच जाऊँगा।

नीचे का रास्ता बड़ा लम्बा लग रहा था। वो नौ फुट, नब्बे फुट की तरह लग रहे थे और इससे पहले ही मैं जमीन छु लूँ इससे पहले ही मेरे फेफड़े फटने लगे थे। पर जब मेरे पैर जमीन पर लगे, मैंने अपनी पूरी ताकत जुटाई और अपने ख्याल से मैंने ऊपर की ओर एक बड़ी-छलांग लगायी। मैंने सोचा कि में कार्क की तरह उछल कर सतह पर आऊँगा, इसके बजाय मैं धीरे-धीरे ऊपर आया। मैंने आँखें खोलीं तो पानी के अतिरिक्त कुछ न था- ऐसा पानी जो कुछ मैले पीले रंग का था। मैं घबराते हुए आगे बढ़ा और ऊपर आया, जैसे कि किसी रस्सी को पकड़ना चाहता हूँ मेरे हाथ सिर्फ पानी ही लगा। मेरा दम घुट रह था। मैंने चीखने की कोशिश की पर कोई आवाज बाहर नहीं आयी। फिर मेरी आँखें और नाक पानी के बाहर आया पर मेरा मुँह नहीं।

Para-4

I flailed at the surface of the water, swallowed and choked. I tried to bring my legs up, but they hung as dead weights, paralysed and rigid. A great force was pulling me under. I screamed, but only the water heard me. I had started on the long journey back to the bottom of the pool. I struck at the water as I went down, expending my strength as one in a nightmare fights an irresistible force. I had lost all my breath. My lungs ached, my head throbbed. I was getting dizzy. But I remembered the strategy — I would spring from the bottom of the pool and come like a cork to the surface. I would lie flat on the water, strike out with my arms, and thrash with my legs. Then I would get to the edge of the pool and be safe. I went down, down, endlessly. I opened my eyes. Nothing but water with a yellow glow — dark water that one could not see through.And then sheer, stark terror seized me, terror that knows no understanding, terror that knows no control, terror that no one can understand who has not experienced it. I was shrieking under water. I was paralysed under water — stiff, rigid with fear. Even the screams in my throat were frozen. Only my heart, and the pounding in my head, said that I was still alive.

मैं हाथ-पैर मारता सतह तक आया, पानी निगला और गला रूंध गया। मैंने अपनी टाँगों को ऊपर लाने की कोशिश की पर वे निर्जीव बोझ बनी लटकी रहीं, बिल्कुल संज्ञाहीन और जड़वत। एक बड़ी शक्ति मुझे नीचे खींच रही थी। मैं चीखा पर मेरी आवाज सिर्फ पानी ने सुनी। ताल के तल की ओर की लंबी यात्रा मैंने पुनः प्रारंभ कर दी थी।

नीचे जाते हुए पानी पर जोर आजमाया, मैं अपनी शक्ति उस तरह व्यय कर रहा था जैसे भयानक स्वप्न के अंदर कोई किसी अपराजेय शक्ति से लड़ रहा हो। मेरी साँस फूल गई थी। मेरे फेफड़ों में दर्द हो रहा था, मेरा सिर धक-धक रहा था, मुझे चक्कर आ रहा था। पर मुझे योजना का पता था मैं ताल के तल से छलांग लगाऊँगा और कार्क की तरह सतह पर आऊँगा। मैं पानी के ऊपर सीधा लेट जाऊँगा, अपने बाजू से पानी काटूंगा और टाँगे मारूंगा। इस प्रकार मैं ताल के ऊपर आ जाऊँगा और सुरक्षित हो जाऊँगा।

मैं नीचे, नीचे अनंत रूप से चलता गया। मैंने अपनी आँखें खोली। पीले पानी के अतिरिक्त कुछ भी न था। अँधेरा सा पानी जिसके पार कुछ नजर न आता था और तब पूर्ण रूप से भय ने मुझे काबू कर लिया, वह भय जहाँ समझ काम नहीं करती है, वह भय जो काबू के बाहर हो जाता है, वह भय जो वही जान सकता है जिसने उसे अनुभव किया हो। मैं पानी के नीचे चीख रहा था। मैं पानी के नीचे संज्ञाशून्य हो गया था। डर से कठोर और जड़वत। मेरे गले से निकलने वाली चीखें भी जम गई थी। केवल मेरा दिल और मेरे सिर की धड़कन कह रही थी मैं कि अभी मैं जीवित हूँ।

Para-5

And then in the midst of the terror came a touch of reason. I must remember to jump when I hit the bottom. At last I felt the tiles under me. My toes reached out as if to grab them. I jumped with everything I had.But the jump made no difference. The water was still around me. I looked for ropes, ladders, water wings. Nothing but water. A mass of yellow water held me. Stark terror took an even deeper hold on me, like a great charge of electricity. I shook and trembled with fright. My arms wouldn’t move. My legs wouldn’t move. I tried to call for help, to call for mother. Nothing happened.

And then, strangely, there was light. I was coming out of the awful yellow water. At least my eyes were. My nose was almost out too.Then I started down a third time. I sucked for air and got water. The yellowish light was going out. Then all effort ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp; and a blackness swept over my brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was quiet and peaceful. Nothing to be afraid of. This is nice… to be drowsy… to go to sleep… no need to jump… too tired to jump… it’s nice to be carried gently… to float along in space… tender arms around me… tender arms like Mother’s… now I must go to sleep…I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell.

और तब आतंक के बीच कुछ समझ की बात याद आई। जब मैं तल पर पहुँचू तब मुझे छलांग लगाने की बात याद रहे। अंततः मैंने अपने नीचे फर्श की टाइलों का अहसास किया। मानों उन्हें पकड़ने के लिए, मेरे पाँव आगे बढ़े। अपनी पूरी ताकत से मैं कूदा। परंतु मेरी छलांग से कोई अन्तर नहीं पड़ा। पानी अब भी मेरे चारों ओर था। मैंने रस्सियाँ, सीढ़ियाँ, जल परों को तलाशा। पानी और केवल पानी। पीले पानी की एक बड़ी मात्रा ने मुझे घेर रखा था। शुद्ध भय ने एक बार फिर मुझे जकड़ लिया था, मानो बिजली का कोई बड़ा चार्ज हो। डर से मैं हिल और काँप रहा था। मेरे बाजू हिल नहीं रहे थे। मेरी टाँगें हिल नहीं पा रही थीं। मैंने सहायता के लिए आवाज लगाने का प्रयत्न किया, अपनी माँ को आवाज देनी चाही। कुछ नहीं हुआ।

मैं और तब, विचित्र बात थी, प्रकाश हो गया। मैं डरावने पीले पानी से बाहर आ रहा था। कम से कम मेरी आँखें आ रही थीं। मेरी नाक भी लगभग बाहर थी फिर मैं तीसरी बार नीचे की ओर चल पड़ा मैंन हवा खींचनी चाही पर पानी अंदर गया। पीली रोशनी बुझने लगी थी। तब सारे प्रयत्न थम गए। मुझे चैन आ गया। मेरी टाँगें भी शक्तिहीन अनुभव कर रही थीं, और मेरे दिमाग पर अँधेरा-सा छा गया था। इसने डर से छुटकारा दिलाया, इसने आतंक को मिटा दिया, अब कोई घबराहट न थी। सब कुछ निःशब्द और शांत था। डरने के लिए कुछ न था। यह अच्छा था… उनींदा होना… सो जाना… अब छलांग लगाने की जरूरत न थी… इतना थक चुका था कि छलांग भी न लगा सकता था… अच्छा है आराम से कोई उठाकर ले जा रहा था… मुक्त आकाश में बढ़ने के लिए… मैं किसी नाजुक हाथों में था… माँ के जैसे नाजुक हाथों में… अब मुझे सोना ही होगा…। मैं बेहोशी के संसार में पहुँच गया और जीवन का पर्दा गिर गया।

Para-6

The next I remember I was lying on my stomach beside the pool, vomiting. The chap that threw me in was saying, “But I was only fooling.” Someone said, “The kid nearly died. Be all right now. Let’s carry him to the locker room.”Several hours later, I walked home. I was weak and trembling. I shook and cried when I lay on my bed. I couldn’t eat that night. For days a haunting fear was in my heart. The slightest exertionupset me, making me wobbly in the knees and sick to my stomach. I never went back to the pool. I feared water. I avoided it whenever I could. A few years later when I came to know the waters of the Cascades, I wanted to get into them. And whenever I did — whether I was wading the Tieton or Bumping River or bathing in Warm Lake of the Goat Rocks — the terror that had seized me in the pool would come back. It would take possession of me completely. My legs would become paralysed. Icy horror would grab my heart.This handicap stayed with me as the years rolled by. In canoes on Maine lakes fishing for landlocked salmon, bass fishing in New Hampshire, trout fishing on the Deschutes and Metolius in Oregon, fishing for salmon on the Columbia, at Bumping Lake in the Cascades — wherever I went, the haunting fear of the water followed me. It ruined my fishing trips; deprived me of the joy of canoeing, boating, and swimming.

अगली बात जो मुझे याद है वह यह कि मैं ताल के किनारे पेट के बल लेटा हुआ उलटियाँ कर रहा था। मुझे अंदर फेंकने वाला व्यक्ति कह रहा था, “पर मैं तो सिर्फ मजाक कर रहा था।’ कोई बोला, ‘बच्चा लगभग मर ही गया था। अब शांत, शांत हो जाओ चलो इसे लेकर रूम में चलें। कई घंटे बाद मैं चलकर घर गया। मैं कमजोर था और काँप रहा था। बिस्तर पर लेटा तो मैं हिल और रो रहा था। उस रात मैं भोजन न कर सका। कई दिनों तक मेरे दिल में एक भय बना रहा। थोड़ा-सा जोर लगाने पर ही मैं बेहाल हो जाता था, मेरे घुटने अस्थिर हो जाते और मेरे पेट में दर्द हो जाता। मैं उस ताल पर कभी वापस नहीं गया। मैं पानी से डरता था। जहाँ भी हो सकता, मैं उससे बचने का प्रयत्न करता। कुछ वर्षों बाद मैंने झरनों के पानी को देखा। तब मैं उसमें जाना चाहता था और जब भी. मैंने ऐसा किया चाहे वह टीटन या बंपिंग नदी को चलकर पार करना हो या गोट रॉक्स की गर्म झील में नहाना हो वह आतंक जो ताल में मुझे वशीभूत कर चुका था। वापस मेरे पास लौट आता था। मैं पूरी तरह इसके वश में हो जाता था। मेरी टांगें संज्ञाशून्य हो जाती थीं। एक बर्फीला भय मेरे दिल को जकड़ लेता था।

साल दर साल बीतते गए और यह असमर्थता मेरे अंदर बनी रही। मेन की झीलों में नौकाओं में बैठ जमीन से घिरी सेलमन मछली को पकड़ना, न्यू हैंपशायर में वेंस मछली का शिकार और आरेगन के मेट्रोलियस, डेस्यूट्स में ट्राउट मछली को पकड़ना, कोलंबिया और बंपिंग लेक के झरनों में सेलमन को पकड़ना-जहाँ भी जाता, जल का आतंकित करने वाला हर मेरा पीछा करता रहता। यह मेरे मछली पकड़ने के ट्रिप को तबाह कर देता, मुझे छोटी नाव, बड़ी नाव चलाने और तैरने के आनंद से वंचित कर देता।

Para-7

I used every way I knew to overcome this fear, but it held me firmly in its grip. Finally, one October, I decided to get an instructor and learn to swim. I went to a pool and practiced five days a week, an hour each day. The instructor put a belt around me. A rope attached to the belt went through a pulley that ran on an overhead cable. He held on to the end of the rope, and we went back and forth, back and forth across the pool, hour after hour, day after day, week after week. On each trip across the pool a bit of the panic seized me. Each time the instructor relaxed his hold on the rope and I went under, some of the old terror returned and my legs froze. It was three months before the tension began to slack. Then he taught me to put my face under water and exhale, and to raise my nose and inhale. I repeated the exercise hundreds of times. Bit by bit I shed part of the panic that seized me when my head went under water.

मैंने अपनी जानकारी में हर तरीका इस भय पर विजय पाने के लिए अपनाया पर इसने मुझे कसकर पकड़े रखा। अंततः एक अक्टूबर मास में मैंने तैरना सीखने के लिए एक शिक्षक नियुक्त करने का निर्णय किया। मैं एक ताल पर जाकर एक सप्ताह में पाँच दिन, प्रतिदिन एक घंटे तक अभ्यास करता। शिक्षक मेरे चारों ओर एक पेटी बाँध देता। बेल्ट से एक रस्सी बंधी होती जो एक पुली से होकर जाती जो सिर के ऊपर एक तार की रस्सी पर दौड़ती। वह रस्सी के किनारे को पकड़े रहता और हम आगे-पीछे जाते रहते। घंटे के बाद घंटा, दिन के बाद दिन, हफ्ते के बाद हफ्ता हम ताल में एक तरफ से दूसरी तरफ आगे- पीछे जाते रहे। ताल के आर-पार की हर यात्रा में कुछ भय मेरे मन में बना रहता। हर बार जब शिक्षक रस्सी पर अपनी पकड़ ढीली करता और मैं पानी के अंदर चला जाता, पुराने आतंक का कुछ अंश लौट आता और मेरी टांगें जम जाती। मेरा तनाव कम होने में तीन महीने लग गए। तब उसने मुझे पानी के अंदर मुँह डालकर साँस छोड़ना सिखाया और नाक उठाकर साँस लेना। मैंने यह व्यायाम सैंकड़ों बार किया। धीरे-धीरे करके, उस घबराहट का एक भाग जाता रहा जो मुझे पानी के अंदर सिर डालने पर होती थी।

Next he held me at the side of the pool and had me kick with my legs. For weeks I did just that. At first my legs refused to work. But they gradually relaxed; and finally I could command them.Thus, piece by piece, he built a swimmer. And when he had perfected each piece, he put them together into an integrated whole. In April he said, “Now you can swim. Dive off and swim the length of the pool, crawl stroke.”I did. The instructor was finished.But I was not finished. I still wondered if I would be terrorstricken when I was alone in the pool. I tried it. I swam the length up and down. Tiny vestiges of the old terror would return. But now I could frown and say to that terror, “Trying to scare me, eh? Well, here’s to you! Look!” And off I’d go for another length of the pool.

इसके बाद ताल के किनारे पर वह मुझे पकड़े रहा और मैं पानी में टाँगें मारता रहा। हफ्तों तक में यही करता रहा। पहले पहल तो मेरी टांगों ने जवाब ही दे दिया पर धीरे-धीरे वे तनाव-हीन होने लगी और अंततः में उन्हें आशा दे सका। इस प्रकार टुकड़े-टुकड़े करके उसने एक तैराक बनाया और जब उसने हर टुकड़े को त्रुटिहीन कर लिया, उसने उन सबको जोड़कर एक पूर्ण वस्तु बना ली। अप्रैल में वह बोला, ‘अब तुम तैर सकते हो। गोता लगाओ और ताल की पूरी लंबाई तैर कर पूरी कर लो, धीरे-धीरे जाओ चाहे तेजी से।’ मैंने यह किया। शिक्षक का कार्य पूरा रा हो चुका था। परंतु मेरा कार्य पूरा न हुआ था। मैं अब भी डरता था कि कहीं ताल के अंदर अकेला होने पर मैं भयाक्रांत तो नहीं हो जाऊँगा। मैंने ऐसा करके देखा। मैं ताल के एक किनारे से दूसरे और फिर वापस उसी किनारे पर तैर कर गया। पुराने आतंक के अवशेष लौटा करते थे। पर अब मैं क्रोधित होकर उस भय से कह सकता था, ‘अच्छा, तू मुझे डराना चाहता है? ठीक है, यह तुम्हारे नाम पर! देख ! और मैं पुनः ताल की लंबाई को एक बार और पार कर देता।’

Para-8

This went on until July. But I was still not satisfied. I was not sure that all the terror had left. So I went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire, dived off a dock at Triggs Island, and swam two miles across the lake to Stamp Act Island. I swam the crawl, breast stroke, side stroke, and back stroke. Only once did the terror return. When I was in the middle of the lake, I put my face under and saw nothing but bottomless water. The old sensation returned in miniature. I laughed and said, “Well, Mr Terror, what do you think you can do to me?” It fled and I swam on.Yet I had residual doubts. At my first opportunity I hurried west, went up the Tieton to Conrad Meadows, up the Conrad Creek Trail to Meade Glacier, and camped in the high meadow by the side of Warm Lake. The next morning I stripped, dived into the lake, and swam across to the other shore and back — just as Doug Corpron used to do. I shouted with joy, and Gilbert Peak returned the echo. I had conquered my fear of water.The experience had a deep meaning for me, as only those who have known stark terror and conquered it can appreciate.In death there is peace. There is terror only in the fear of death, as Roosevelt knew when he said, “All we have to fear is fear itself.” Because I had experienced both the sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it can produce, the will to live somehow grew in intensity. At last I felt released — free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear.

जुलाई तक यही चलता रहा। पर मैं अभी तक संतुष्ट नहीं हुआ। मुझे विश्वास नहीं था कि सारा भय समाप्त हो गया था। अतः मैं न्यू हैंपशायर की लेक वैन्टबर्थ गया, ट्रग्स आयलैंड में डॉक से कूदा, और दो मील झील में तैरकर स्टैंप ऐक्ट आयलैंड पहुंचा। मैंने क्राल, ब्रेस्ट स्ट्रोक, साइड स्ट्रोक और बैंक स्ट्रोक को तैरने में प्रयोग किया। केवल एक बार आतंक लौटा। जब मैं झील के बीच में था तब मैंने जल में सिर डाला और मुझे अतल जल के अतिरिक्त कुछ न दिखा। पुरानी भावना छोटे रूप में लौट आयी। मैं हँसा और बोला, “अच्छा, आतंक साहब, आपके ख्याल में आप मेरा क्या बिगाड़ सकते हैं?” वह भाग गया और मैं तैरता हुआ आगे चला गया।

फिर भी मेरे मन में शक बाकी था। पहला अवसर मिलते ही मैं पश्चिम की ओर तेजी से चला, टीटन से ऊपर कोनार्ड मीडोज तक गया, कोनार्ड ग्रीक ट्रेल से भीडे ग्लेशियर तक और वार्म लेक के किनारे हाई मीडोज में कैप डाला। अगले दिन प्रातः मैंने कपड़े उतारे, झील में गोता लगाया और तैरकर दूसरे किनारे तक पहुंचा और फिर तैरकर ही वापस आया बिल्कुल वैसे डाक कार्पन किया करता था। मैं खुशी से चीख पड़ा और गिलवर्ट चोटी ने गूंजकर चीख दोहराई। मैं जल के भय पर विजय पा चुका था।

इस अनुभव का मेरे लिए गहरा अर्थ था जिसे सिर्फ वे लोग ही समझ सकते हैं जिन्होंने शुद्ध भय को जाना है और इस पर विजय पाई है। मृत्यु में एक शांति होती है। आतंक तो केवल मृत्यु के भय में होता है जैसे कि रूजवैल्ट जानता था जब उसने कहा, “हमें जिस वस्तु से डरना है वह डर ही है।” क्योंकि मैंने मरने का और मरने के भय के कारण पैदा होने वाला आतंक, दोनों का ही अनुभव किया था, जीवित रहने की इच्छा कुछ अधिक ही तेज हो गई थी। अंततः मुझे मुक्ति (भय से) का अनुभव हुआ – मैं आजाद था पगडंडियों पर चलने के लिए और पहाड़ की चोटियों पर चढ़ने के लिए तथा भय को तरफ छोड़ देने के एक लिए।

Deep Water Class 12 Question Answer Up Board

Explain with reference to the context of the following passages:

(1) From the beginning, however, I had an aversion to the water when I was in it. This started when I was three or four years old and my father took me to the beach in California. He and I stood together in the surf. I hung on to him, yet the waves knocked me down and swept over me. I was buried in water. My breath was gone. I was frightened. Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart at the overpowering force of the waves.

Reference: The above passage has been taken from the lesson ‘Deep Water’ which is written by ‘William Douglas’.

Context: This passage refers to the early traumatic experience William Douglas had with water.

Explanation: When he was just three or four years old, his father took him to the beach in California. While playing in the surf, Douglas was knocked down by waves and swept under the water. This traumatic experience overwhelmed him and left him gasping for breath. Though his father laughed, Douglas felt sheer terror due to the uncontrollable power of the waves. This incident planted the seeds of his lifelong fear of water, which would haunt him until he decided to confront it years later.

(2) It seemed a long way down. Those nine feet were more like ninety, and before 1 touched bottom my lungs were ready to burst. But when my feet hit bottom I summoned all my strength and made what I thought was a great spring upwards. I imagined I would bob to the surface like a cork. Instead, I came up slowly. I opened my eyes and saw nothing but water water that had a dirty yellow tinge to it. I grew panicky. I reached up as if to grab a rope and my hands clutched only at water. I was suffocating. I tried to yell but no sound came out. Then my eyes and nose came out of the water – but not my mouth.

Reference: Same as 1st one

Context: This passage describes Douglas’s terrifying experience of being thrown into the deep end of the YMCA pool by an older boy.

Explanation: Despite being only nine feet deep, the water felt like a bottomless pit to Douglas. His panic increased as he struggled to rise to the surface but couldn’t breathe. The “dirty yellow tinge” of the water and the sense of suffocation intensified his fear. He attempted to scream, but no sound emerged, symbolizing his helplessness. This passage vividly illustrates his rising panic and the beginning of his battle with overwhelming terror.

(3) And then sheer, stark terror seized me, the terror that knows no understanding, the terror that knows no control, the terror that no one can understand who has not experienced it. I was shrieking underwater. I was paralysed under water stiff, rigid with fear. Even the screams in my throat were frozen. Only my heart, and the pounding in my head, said that I was still alive.

Reference: Same as above

Context: This passage vividly portrays the overwhelming fear Douglas felt as he struggled underwater.

Explanation: Here, Douglas recounts the extreme psychological impact of fear as he sank deeper into the water. The terror he experienced was beyond rational comprehension or control, leaving him paralyzed with fright. The use of repetition (“the terror that knows no understanding…”) emphasizes the intensity of his emotions. Even his body failed to respond; his screams were frozen, and his limbs felt rigid. This passage highlights how fear can completely take over the mind and body, pushing a person to the brink of giving up.

(4) Several hours later. I walked home. I was weak and trembling. I shook and cried when I lay on my bed. I couldn’t eat that night. For days a haunting fear was in my heart. The slightest exertion upset me, making me wobbly in the knees and sick to my stomach.

Reference: Same as above

Context: This passage describes the aftermath of the drowning incident at the YMCA pool.

Explanation: After the near-drowning incident, Douglas was deeply affected, both physically and mentally. His trembling body and inability to eat indicate the physical exhaustion caused by his struggle. More importantly, the incident left a psychological scar, with a haunting fear of water lingering in his heart. This fear made him avoid water altogether and even minor physical exertion would trigger anxiety. The passage demonstrates how a traumatic experience can lead to long-term emotional damage, which takes immense effort to overcome.

(5) The experience had a deep meaning for me, as only those who have known stark
terror and conquered it can appreciate it. In death there is peace. There is terror only in the fear of death, as Roosevelt knew when he said, “All we have to fear is fear itself. “Because I had experienced both the sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it can produce, the will to live somehow grew in intensity.

Reference: Same as above

Context: This passage reflects Douglas’s philosophical understanding after overcoming his fear of water.

Explanation: By conquering his terror, Douglas realized that fear is often worse than the danger itself. His reference to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous words, “All we have to fear is fear itself,” highlights the idea that facing fear with determination can lead to personal growth and freedom. This realization gave him a stronger will to live and enjoy life without fear.

Deep Water Short Answer Type Questions

Q.1. Where was the pool and what opportunity did it offer? (पूल (ताल) कहाँ था और क्या अवसर उसने प्रदान किया?)
Ans. The pool was at the YMCA in Yakima. It offered a safe place for learning to swim, as it was shallow at one end and gradually deepened. (पूल याकिमा में YMCA में था। यह तैरना सीखने के लिए एक सुरक्षित स्थान था, क्योंकि यह एक छोर पर उथला था और धीरे-धीरे गहरा होता गया।)

Q.2. What terror did Douglas have in his heart? How? (डगलस के हृदय में क्या भय था? कैसे?)
Ans. Douglas had a deep fear of water, rooted in an incident from childhood when waves at a California beach knocked him down, and he felt overwhelmed. (डगलस को पानी से बहुत डर था, जो बचपन की एक घटना से जुड़ा था जब कैलिफोर्निया के एक समुद्र तट पर लहरों ने उसे गिरा दिया था, और वह अभिभूत महसूस कर रहा था।)

Q.3. What did the big bruiser of a boy do at the pool? why? (एक लड़के के बड़े भाई ने ताल पर क्या किया? क्यों?)
Ans. The boy threw Douglas into the deep end of the pool for fun, calling him “Skinny.” This act terrified Douglas and led to his near-drowning. (लड़के ने मजे के लिए डगलस को “स्किनी” कहकर पूल के गहरे छोर में फेंक दिया। इस कृत्य से डगलस भयभीत हो गया और उसके डूबने की नौबत आ गई।)

Q.4. How deep was the pool? What was there inside the water? (ताल कितना गहरा था? वहाँ पानी के अन्दर क्या था?)
Ans. The pool was nine feet deep at the deep end. The water appeared dirty and yellowish. (पूल की गहराई नौ फीट थी। पानी गंदा और पीला दिखाई दे रहा था।)

Q.5. What happened to the legs of Douglas inside the pool? How did he try to overcome that situation? (ताल के अन्दर डगलस की टाँगों को क्या हुआ था? उसने उस स्थिति से उबरने के लिए कैसे प्रयास किया?)
Ans. Douglas’s legs became paralyzed with fear. He tried to jump up from the bottom to the surface and planned to paddle to safety, but he failed. (डगलस के पैर डर से लकवाग्रस्त हो गए। उसने नीचे से सतह पर कूदने की कोशिश की और सुरक्षित निकलने के लिए पैडल चलाने की योजना बनाई, लेकिन वह असफल रहा।)

Q.6. What terror seized Douglas? What was its effect on him? (किस भय ने डगलस को जकड़ लिया था? उसका उस पर क्या प्रभाव था?)
Ans. Sheer, uncontrollable terror gripped Douglas. It froze his limbs, clouded his mind, and made him feel helpless and close to death. (सरासर, बेकाबू आतंक ने डगलस को जकड़ लिया। इससे उसके अंग अकड़ गए, उसका दिमाग धुंधला हो गया और वह असहाय और मौत के करीब महसूस करने लगा।)

Q.7. What did Douglas do inside the water to save his life? (डगलस ने पानी के अन्दर अपना जीवन बचाने के लिए क्या किया?)
Ans. Douglas repeatedly tried to jump to the surface and imagined grabbing something to pull himself out. However, his efforts were in vain. (डगलस ने बार-बार सतह पर कूदने की कोशिश की और खुद को बाहर निकालने के लिए कुछ पकड़ने की कल्पना की। हालाँकि, उसके प्रयास व्यर्थ थे।)

Q.8. How did all efforts cease? What happened then? (सभी प्रयास कैसे रूक गए? फिर क्या हुआ?)
Ans. When Douglas’s strength and hope faded, he felt limp and peaceful, as if drifting into sleep. He lost consciousness but was rescued. (जब डगलस की शक्ति और आशा फीकी पड़ गई, तो वह शिथिल और शांतिपूर्ण महसूस करने लगा, मानो नींद में डूब रहा हो। वह बेहोश हो गया लेकिन उसे बचा लिया गया।)

Q.9. What was Douglas’s condition after getting escaped from the pool? (ताल में से बचने के बाद डगलस की क्या हालत थी?)
Ans. Douglas was weak, trembling, and emotionally shattered. He cried, could not eat, and felt sick for days due to the trauma. (डगलस कमज़ोर, काँपता हुआ और भावनात्मक रूप से टूट चुका था। वह रोता था, खा नहीं पाता था और आघात के कारण कई दिनों तक बीमार महसूस करता था।)

Q.10. What did Douglas come to know after few years later? What did he want then? (कुछ वर्षों के पश्चात्, डगलस को क्या जानकारी प्राप्त हुई? वह फिर क्या चाहता था?)
Ans. Douglas realized his fear of water persisted and ruined activities like swimming or fishing. He decided to overcome it and learn swimming. (डगलस को एहसास हुआ कि पानी से उसका डर बरकरार है और उसने तैराकी या मछली पकड़ने जैसी गतिविधियों को बर्बाद कर दिया है। उन्होंने इससे उबरकर तैराकी सीखने का फैसला किया।)

Q.11. What did the instructor do to train Douglas? (प्रशिक्षक ने डगलस को तैयार करने (सिखाने) के लिए क्या किया?)
Ans. The instructor used a belt and rope to help Douglas practice swimming. He taught him to exhale underwater, kick his legs, and swim stroke by stroke. (प्रशिक्षक ने डगलस को तैराकी का अभ्यास कराने के लिए बेल्ट और रस्सी का इस्तेमाल किया। उसने उसे पानी के अंदर सांस छोड़ना, अपने पैरों को किक करना और स्ट्रोक दर स्ट्रोक तैरना सिखाया।)

Q.12. Was Douglas satisfy after the training? If no, why? (क्या डगलस ट्रेनिंग (प्रशिक्षण) के बाद संतुष्ट था? यदि नहीं, क्यों?)
Ans. Douglas was not fully satisfied initially. He doubted if he could swim alone without fear and wanted to test himself further. (डगलस शुरू में पूरी तरह से संतुष्ट नहीं था। उसे संदेह था कि क्या वह बिना किसी डर के अकेले तैर सकता है और खुद को और परखना चाहता था।)

Q.13. Where did Douglas go to clear his residual doubts? What did he do for it? (अपने बचे हुए संदेहों को दूर करने के लिए डगलस कहाँ गया? उसके लिए उसने क्या किया?)
Ans. Douglas swam across Lake Wentworth and later Warm Lake to test and confirm that his fear of water was completely gone. (डगलस ने यह जांचने और पुष्टि करने के लिए लेक वेंटवर्थ और बाद में वार्म लेक को तैरकर पार किया कि पानी के प्रति उनका डर पूरी तरह से खत्म हो गया है।)

Q.14. How was the experience, a deep meaning for Douglas? (डगलस के लिए, अनुभव का गहरा अर्थ क्या था?)
Ans. The experience taught Douglas that fear is worse than danger itself. Overcoming it made him stronger, gave him a greater will to live, and brought freedom. (डगलस को सिखाया कि डर ख़तरे से भी बदतर है। इस पर काबू पाने से वह और मज़बूत हुआ, उसे जीने की और भी इच्छाशक्ति मिली और आज़ादी मिली।)

Deep Water Long Answer Type Questions

Q.1. What was the fear of Douglas? How did it come in the life of Douglas? (डगलस का क्या डर था? वह डगलस के जीवन में कैसे आया?)
Ans. Douglas had a deep fear of water. This fear first came into his life when he was three or four years old at a beach in California. While standing in the surf with his father, he was knocked down by waves, buried under water, and left terrified. Later, his fear worsened after a traumatic incident at the YMCA pool, where a big boy threw him into the deep end. These experiences left him with a lifelong phobia of water. (डगलस को पानी से बहुत डर लगता था। यह डर पहली बार उसके जीवन में तब आया जब वह तीन या चार साल का था और कैलिफोर्निया के एक समुद्र तट पर था। अपने पिता के साथ सर्फ में खड़े होने के दौरान, वह लहरों से गिर गया, पानी के नीचे दब गया और डर गया। बाद में, YMCA पूल में एक दर्दनाक घटना के बाद उसका डर और बढ़ गया, जहाँ एक बड़े लड़के ने उसे गहरे पानी में फेंक दिया। इन अनुभवों ने उसे जीवन भर पानी के डर से ग्रसित कर दिया।)

Q.2. What incident did Douglas face at the pool? What was its effect on his life? (पूल (ताल) पर डगलस ने किस घटना का सामना किया? उस घटना का उसके जीवन पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ा?)
Ans. At the YMCA pool, a big boy picked up Douglas and threw him into the deep end for fun. Douglas struggled to surface but repeatedly sank, feeling helpless and terrified. Though rescued in time, the incident left him emotionally scarred. He developed an intense fear of water that affected his ability to enjoy activities like swimming, boating, and fishing, and haunted him for years. (वाईएमसीए पूल में, एक बड़े लड़के ने डगलस को उठाया और मनोरंजन के लिए उसे गहरे पानी में फेंक दिया। डगलस ने सतह पर आने के लिए संघर्ष किया लेकिन असहाय और भयभीत महसूस करते हुए बार-बार डूब गया। हालांकि समय रहते उसे बचा लिया गया, लेकिन इस घटना ने उसे भावनात्मक रूप से डरा दिया। उनमें पानी के प्रति तीव्र भय पैदा हो गया, जिससे तैराकी, नौकायन और मछली पकड़ने जैसी गतिविधियों का आनंद लेने की उनकी क्षमता प्रभावित हुई और वर्षों तक वे परेशान रहे।)

Q.3. Describe Douglas’s struggle at the pool? What strategy did he make to save his life? (ताल पर डगलस के संघर्ष का वर्णन कीजिए। अपने जीवन को बचाने के लिए उसने क्या योजना बनाई?)
Ans. When Douglas was thrown into the pool, he initially planned to jump to the surface, lie flat, and paddle to safety. However, his attempts failed as fear paralyzed his body, and he struggled to breathe. Each time he sank, he tried to push himself upward, but panic took over. Despite his efforts, he was unable to escape and eventually lost consciousness. His struggle highlights his desperation and determination in the face of overwhelming terror. (जब डगलस को पूल में फेंका गया, तो उसने शुरू में सतह पर कूदने, सपाट लेटने और सुरक्षा के लिए चप्पू चलाने की योजना बनाई। हालाँकि, उनके प्रयास विफल रहे क्योंकि डर ने उनके शरीर को पंगु बना दिया था और उन्हें सांस लेने में कठिनाई हो रही थी। हर बार जब वह डूबता, तो खुद को ऊपर की ओर धकेलने की कोशिश करता, लेकिन घबराहट हावी हो जाती। अपने प्रयासों के बावजूद, वह भागने में असमर्थ रहा और अंततः बेहोश हो गया। उनका संघर्ष भारी आतंक के सामने उनकी हताशा और दृढ़ संकल्प को उजागर करता है।)

Q.4. What handicap stayed with Douglas for a long time? What did he do to resolve it from his life? (डगलस के साथ क्या अपंगता लम्बे समय तक रही? अपने जीवन से उसे निकालने के लिए उसने क्या किया?)
Ans. Douglas’s fear of water became a significant handicap, preventing him from enjoying water-related activities. Determined to overcome it, he hired a swimming instructor. The instructor used a systematic approach to train him, focusing on exhaling underwater, kicking, and practising strokes. Douglas gradually regained confidence, tested himself in lakes, and eventually conquered his fear, freeing himself from this psychological burden. (डगलस का पानी से डरना एक बड़ी बाधा बन गया, जिससे वह पानी से जुड़ी गतिविधियों का आनंद नहीं ले पाता था। इस डर को दूर करने के लिए उसने एक तैराकी प्रशिक्षक को काम पर रखा। प्रशिक्षक ने उसे प्रशिक्षित करने के लिए एक व्यवस्थित दृष्टिकोण का इस्तेमाल किया, जिसमें पानी के नीचे साँस छोड़ना, किक मारना और स्ट्रोक का अभ्यास करना शामिल था। डगलस ने धीरे-धीरे आत्मविश्वास हासिल किया, झीलों में खुद को परखा और आखिरकार अपने डर पर विजय प्राप्त की, खुद को इस मनोवैज्ञानिक बोझ से मुक्त किया।)

Q.5. What did Douglas decide to overcome his fear of water? How long it took to Douglas to become a swimmer? (डगलस ने अपने पानी के डर पर काबू पाने के लिए क्या निश्चय किया? डगलस को एक तैराक बनने में कितना समय लगा?)
Ans. Douglas decided to face his fear and learn swimming. He hired an instructor who trained him for five days a week, an hour each day, using a belt-and-rope technique. Over three months, the instructor built his swimming skills, but it took several more months for Douglas to fully overcome his fear. By July, he swam confidently in pools and lakes, proving that he had completely conquered his terror. (डगलस ने अपने डर का सामना करने और तैराकी सीखने का फैसला किया। उन्होंने एक प्रशिक्षक को काम पर रखा जिसने उन्हें बेल्ट-और-रस्सी तकनीक का उपयोग करके सप्ताह में पाँच दिन, हर दिन एक घंटे के लिए प्रशिक्षित किया। तीन महीनों में, प्रशिक्षक ने उनके तैराकी कौशल का निर्माण किया, लेकिन डगलस को अपने डर पर पूरी तरह से काबू पाने में कई और महीने लग गए। जुलाई तक, उन्होंने पूल और झीलों में आत्मविश्वास से तैराकी की, जिससे साबित हुआ कि उन्होंने अपने डर पर पूरी तरह से विजय प्राप्त कर ली है।)

Deep Water Class 12 MCQs

Q.1. There was a pool at……..in the Yakima that offered exactly the opportunity.
(i) Y.C.M.A.
(ii) Y.A.M.C.
(iii) Y.M.C.A.
(iv) Y.A.C.M.

Q.2. From the beginning, Douglas had an……….to the water.
(i) intensity
(ii) aversion
(iii) intimacy
(iv) None

Q.3. The water was still, and the tiled bottom was as white and clean as a………….
(i) snow
(ii) bathroom
(iii) floor
(iv) bathtub

Q.4. It seemed a long way down and those nine feet were more like…………
(i) ninety
(ii) nineteen
(iii) ninety-nine
(iv) None

Q.5. Inside the pool, the narrator screamed, but only the……….heard him.
(i) mother
(ii) coach
(iii) father
(iv) water

Q.6. Only his heart, and the pounding in his head, said that he was still………
(i) conscious
(ii) alive
(iii) unconscious
(iv) dead

Q.7. He started down a………..time and sucked for air and got water.
(i) third
(ii) second
(iii) last
(iv) first

Q.8. A few years later when he came to know the waters of the………….he wanted to get into them.
(i) Waterfalls
(ii) rain
(iii) pool
(iv) cascades

Q.9. On……….October, he decided to get an instructor and learn to swim.
(i) two
(ii) one
(iii) three
(iv) nineteen

Q.10. In………he said, “Now you can swim. Dive off and swim the length of the pool, crawl stroke”.
(i) August
(ii) July
(iii) March
(iv) April

Q.11. When Douglas was in the middle of the lake, he put his face under and saw nothing but………..water.
(i) limitless
(ii) bottomless
(iii) deep
(iv) unlimited

Q.12. Roosevelt said, “All we have to fear is………..itself.”
(i) fear
(ii) death
(iii) water
(iv) lake

Deep Water Difficult Words Meaning

Words	Meanings
Happened	Took place (घटित हुआ)
Offered	Gave (दिया)
Treacherous	Unreliable (अविश्वसनीय)
Shallow	Not deep (उथला)
Aversion	Dislike/hate (अरूचि)
Beach	sea-side (समुद्र तट)
Knock-down	cause to fall (गिरा देना)
Was buried	got drowned (डूब गया)
Strength	Power (सख्ती)
Spring	Jump (कूदना, उछलना)
Bob	Move up (ऊपर आना)
Grew panicky	Got Frightened (डर गया)
Flaiked	Hit something hard (हाथ पैर मारता था)
Swallowed	Gulped down (पी गया)
Choked	Blocked (अवरुद्ध हो गया)
Strangely	Oddly (अजीब)
Aweful	Fearful (भयानक)
Effort	Attempt (कोशिश)
Ceased	Stopped (ठहर गया)
Relaxed	Got comfortable (ढीलापन)
Handicap	Disadvantage (बाधा)
Rolled by	Passed (गुजरे)
Trout	A kind of fish (एक प्रकार की मछली)
Trip	Journey (यात्रा)
Overcome	Control (जीतना)
Attach	Connect (जोड़ना)
Tension	Stress (तनाव)
Slack	Relax (कम होना/ढीला होना)
Dock	Part of the Port (बंदरगाह का भाग)
Shed	Gave up (त्याग दिया)
Sensation	A feeling (सनसनी)
In miniature	In little amount (बहुत कम मात्रा में)
Fled	Ran away (भाग गया)
Residual	Remaining (बचा हुआ)
Opportunity	Occasion (अवसर)
Hurried	Went quickly (जल्दी से गया)
Meadow	Grassland (घास का मैदान)
Stark	Dangerous (खतरनाक)
Appreciate	Understand (समझना)
Trail	Route (पगडंडी)

NCERT Solutions: Deep Water

Understanding the text

Q.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 vividly conveys the overwhelming panic he experienced while nearly drowning by providing detailed and sensory-rich descriptions of his emotions and physical sensations. He describes the initial calmness as he planned how to reach the surface, but this quickly turns into panic as he realizes he is unable to rise as expected. The sense of suffocation is palpable when he describes his lungs aching, his head throbbing, and the feeling of being pulled under by an “irresistible force.” His fear escalates to sheer terror when he describes himself as paralyzed, unable to move his arms or legs, and shrieking underwater, though no sound escapes. The imagery of the “yellow water,” the “dirty yellow tinge,” and the sense of endlessness as he sinks deeper all contribute to the reader’s understanding of his panic. These details make the experience intensely vivid, allowing readers to empathize with his fear and desperation.

Short Answer:

Douglas vividly describes his panic by detailing his physical sensations and emotions during the near-drowning experience. He talks about the suffocating feeling as his lungs ached and his head throbbed, and how he felt paralyzed, unable to move his arms or legs. The dirty yellow water and the sense of endless sinking add to the terror. His descriptions of trying to scream underwater, only to have his voice silenced, make the fear and desperation very real for the reader.

Q.2. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?

Answer. Douglas overcame his fear of water through a combination of persistent effort, guided practice, and gradual exposure to the situations that triggered his terror. He decided to confront his fear by hiring a swimming instructor who used a methodical approach to build his confidence. The instructor started with simple exercises, like kicking at the side of the pool, and gradually introduced more complex tasks, such as putting his face underwater and practicing different strokes. Over several months of consistent practice, Douglas learned to manage the panic that arose each time he encountered a situation that reminded him of his near-drowning experience. He also tested his newfound skills and confidence by swimming in various natural bodies of water, including Lake Wentworth and Warm Lake. Each successful swim helped him to further reduce his fear until he finally felt free from it.

Short Answer:

Answer. Douglas overcame his fear of water by taking swimming lessons and practicing regularly. He hired an instructor who taught him step by step, starting with basic exercises and gradually moving to more challenging tasks. Over time, with consistent practice and exposure, he learned to manage the panic that would arise when he was in the water. He also tested his progress by swimming in lakes, which helped him build confidence until he finally felt free from his fear.

Q.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 recounts his childhood experience of terror and the process of conquering it to illustrate a powerful lesson about overcoming fear. The larger meaning he draws from this experience is that the fear of something—whether it’s drowning, death, or any other challenge—can be more paralyzing than the actual threat itself. By facing his deepest fear head-on, Douglas learns that the key to overcoming terror is not just survival but confronting and understanding the fear itself. He references Roosevelt’s famous quote, “All we have to fear is fear itself,” to highlight that the fear of fear can be the most debilitating aspect of any challenge. This experience teaches him that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to push through it, which leads to a profound sense of freedom and the ability to enjoy life fully. The narrative serves as a metaphor for overcoming any obstacle in life, suggesting that facing and conquering one’s fears is essential for personal growth and liberation.

Short Answer:

Douglas shares his childhood experience to show how facing and overcoming fear can lead to personal growth. He realized that the fear of something—like drowning or even death—can be worse than the actual danger. By confronting his fear, he learned that courage is about pushing through fear, not avoiding it. This experience taught him that overcoming fear is key to enjoying life and feeling truly free.

Talking about the text

Q.1. “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. When considering this quote, you might reflect on a personal fear that you’ve faced and eventually overcome. For example, maybe you had a fear of public speaking that made you nervous and anxious. Over time, by practicing in small groups, preparing well, and gradually speaking in front of larger audiences, you might have gained confidence. Now, instead of feeling paralyzed by fear, you might even enjoy sharing your thoughts with others. Sharing this story with your partner could help them see how facing fears head-on can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.

Short Answer:

Think about a fear you’ve faced and conquered. For example, if you were once afraid of public speaking, you might have overcome it by practicing in front of small groups and gradually building up to larger audiences. Now, instead of feeling scared, you might feel more confident. Sharing this experience with your partner can show how facing your fears can help you grow and gain new confidence.

Q.2. Find and narrate other stories about conquest of fear and what people have said about courage. For example, you can recall Nelson Mandela’s struggle for freedom, his perseverance to achieve his mission, to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor as depicted in his autobiography. The story We’re Not Afraid To Die, which you have read in Class XI, is an apt example of how courage and optimism helped a family survive under the direst stress.

Answer. There are many inspiring stories of individuals who have conquered their fears and demonstrated remarkable courage. One well-known example is Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison fighting against apartheid in South Africa. Despite the fear and hardships he faced, Mandela remained steadfast in his mission to liberate both the oppressed and the oppressors. His perseverance and courage eventually led to the end of apartheid and his election as the first Black president of South Africa. Mandela’s story teaches us that true courage often involves standing firm in the face of overwhelming fear and adversity.

Another example is the story “We’re Not Afraid To Die… If We Can All Be Together,” which we read in Class XI. This story tells of a family’s harrowing experience as they sailed around the world and faced a massive storm. Despite the terrifying circumstances, their courage, optimism, and determination helped them survive. These stories remind us that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the strength to keep going in spite of it.

Short Answer:

One famous story of overcoming fear is Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid in South Africa. Despite spending 27 years in prison, Mandela never gave up on his mission to end racial segregation. His courage and determination eventually led to his country’s freedom and his role as the first Black president of South Africa.

Another example is the story “We’re Not Afraid To Die… If We Can All Be Together,” (Class X1 CBSE) It’s about a family who faced a dangerous storm while sailing. Despite their fear, they stayed strong and worked together to survive. These stories show that courage is about facing fear and pushing through it.

Thinking about language:

Q. If someone else had narrated Douglas’s experience, how would it have differed from this account? Write out a sample paragraph or paragraphs from this text from the point of view of a third person or observer, to find out which style of narration would you consider to be more effective? Why?

Answer. Here is given a sample containing both the perspectives – 1st person and the 3rd person narration of the Dougla’s experience.

Third-Person Perspective Sample Paragraph:

Douglas was just a boy when he decided to learn how to swim at the Y.M.C.A. pool. One day, while he was alone by the poolside, a much older and stronger boy picked him up and threw him into the deep end without warning. As Douglas hit the water, panic immediately set in. He tried to push himself to the surface, but his legs felt heavy, and his breath was quickly running out. The water seemed endless, and fear gripped him so tightly that he was paralyzed, unable to move or cry for help. Though he struggled with all his might, the terror only deepened, leaving him on the brink of drowning.

Comparison of Narration Styles:

The first-person narration, where Douglas recounts his experience, is more effective in conveying the intense emotions and fear he felt. It allows readers to connect with his thoughts and feelings directly, making the terror and panic more personal and relatable. In contrast, the third-person narration feels more distant and detached, as it describes the events from an observer’s viewpoint. While it still conveys the story, it lacks the emotional depth and immediacy that the first-person perspective provides. Therefore, the first-person narration is generally more effective in drawing readers into the experience and making them feel the fear alongside the narrator.

Writing

Q.1. Doing well in any activity, for example a sport, music, dance or painting, riding a motorcycle or a car, involves a great deal of struggle. Most of us are very nervous to begin with until gradually we overcome our fears and perform well. Write an essay of about five paragraphs recounting such an experience. Try to recollect minute details of what caused the fear, your feelings, the encouragement you got from others or the criticism.
You could begin with the last sentence of the essay you have just read — “At last I felt released — free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear.”

Answer. Here is a sample answer.

Overcoming the Fear of Riding a Bicycle

At last, I felt released—free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear. This feeling of freedom came after I conquered my fear of riding a bicycle, a task that had seemed impossible when I was younger. The struggle to learn and the fear of falling were constant companions during the process, but the sense of accomplishment that followed made every effort worthwhile.

When I first tried to ride a bicycle, the thought of balancing on two wheels filled me with dread. I remember feeling the shaky handlebars and the unsteady wobble of the bike beneath me. My hands gripped the handlebars so tightly that my knuckles turned white. Every time I tried to push off and pedal, I imagined myself crashing to the ground. The fear of falling was overwhelming, and each failed attempt only reinforced my anxiety.

My parents and friends encouraged me to keep trying, assuring me that everyone goes through this struggle. My father ran alongside me, holding the back of the bike to keep me steady. He kept saying, “You can do this. Just keep pedaling and don’t look down!” But despite his encouragement, I was too afraid to let go of the idea that I would fall. The criticism from a few older kids who had already mastered cycling didn’t help either; they teased me for being so cautious, which made me even more determined to succeed, yet more nervous at the same time.

There were many moments when I wanted to give up. The frustration of not getting it right, combined with the fear of getting hurt, made me question whether it was worth the effort. But I knew deep down that if I didn’t face this fear, it would continue to hold me back. So, I kept practicing, even though my heart raced every time I got on the bike. I started with small steps, practicing in an empty parking lot where there was no one to watch me fail.

Then one day, something changed. As I focused on the road ahead instead of my fears, I realized I was balancing on my own. My father had let go without me noticing, and I was pedaling freely. The wind rushed past my face, and a huge smile spread across my lips as I realized that I was riding without help. The fear that had held me back for so long was gone, replaced by a newfound confidence.

From that day on, riding a bicycle became one of my favourite activities. I felt a sense of freedom that I had never experienced before. The struggle to overcome my fear had been tough, but the reward was more than worth it. I learned that facing my fears head-on, with determination and the support of others, can lead to incredible personal growth and confidence.

Q.2. Write a short letter to someone you know about your having learnt to do something new.

Answer. Here is a sample letter using ‘guitar’ learning. You may use your own choice and adjust the letter accordingly.

ABC (Name)
XYZ Street (Address)
17 September 2025 (Date)

Dear Friend, (Name of to whom you are writing the letter)

I hope this letter finds you well! I wanted to share some exciting news with you—I’ve recently learned how to play the guitar. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never quite had the courage or time to pursue.

At first, it was a bit intimidating, and I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get the hang of it. I struggled with mastering the chords of the guitar and even thought about giving up a few times. But I kept practicing, and with a bit of patience and perseverance, I finally started to make progress.

Now, I’m thrilled to say that I can play a few of my favourite songs. It’s such a rewarding feeling to have overcome the initial hurdles and finally be able to do something I’ve always admired in others.

I just wanted to share this little victory with you, and maybe even inspire you to try something new that you’ve been putting off. It’s never too late to learn something fresh!

Looking forward to catching up soon.

Warm regards,
ABC

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, there are several places in India known for water sports. India, with its vast coastline, rivers, lakes, and backwaters, offers a variety of water sports activities. Here are some popular areas and places known for water sports in India:

1. Goa

• Water Sports: Parasailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, banana boat rides.
• Popular Spots: Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna beaches.

2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Water Sports: Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, jet skiing, glass-bottom boat rides.
• Popular Spots: Havelock Island, Neil Island, Port Blair.

3. Kerala

• Water Sports: Kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, parasailing, backwater cruises.
• Popular Spots: Alleppey, Kumarakom, Varkala, Kovalam.

4. Lakshadweep Islands

• Water Sports: Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing.
• Popular Spots: Agatti Island, Bangaram Island, Kadmat Island.

5. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

• Water Sports: White water rafting, kayaking.
• Popular Spots: Ganges River (especially the stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh).

6. Pondicherry

• Water Sports: Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking.
• Popular Spots: Paradise Beach, Karaikal Beach.

7. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

• Water Sports: Surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving.
• Popular Spots: Covelong Beach.

8. Alleppey, Kerala

• Water Sports: Kayaking, canoeing, houseboat cruises.
• Popular Spots: Backwaters of Alleppey.

9. Mumbai, Maharashtra

• Water Sports: Jet skiing, parasailing, speed boating.
• Popular Spots: Juhu Beach, Girgaum Chowpatty.

10. Gokarna, Karnataka

• Water Sports: Jet skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing.
• Popular Spots: Om Beach, Kudle Beach.

These locations offer a wide range of activities for both adventure enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy the water in a more relaxed manner. Whether you’re interested in exploring the underwater world or riding the waves, India has plenty of options to choose from.

Also Read,

• Class 12 English Poem: Hindi Translation of My Mother at Sixty-Six
• Class 12 English: Hindi Translation of Journey to the end of the Earth
• Class 12 English: Hindi Translation of The Tiger King
• Class 12 English: Hindi Translation of The Third Level
• Read news