CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 3: Deep Water NCERT Solutions

Solution: The following words and expressions from the text can be understood in the context provided:

treacherous - This refers to something that is dangerous and unpredictable, posing a risk that is not easily foreseen. In the context of water, it implies hidden dangers or unstable conditions.

subdued my pride - This means that the author's sense of self-respect and confidence was lowered or diminished. The frightening experience made him feel less capable and proud.

flailed at the surface - This describes the action of striking or waving the arms and legs wildly and ineffectively at the water's surface in a desperate attempt to stay afloat or reach safety.

fishing for landlocked salmon - This refers to the activity of trying to catch a specific type of salmon that lives in lakes or enclosed bodies of water, as opposed to those found in the open sea.

misadventure - This term denotes an unfortunate incident that results in harm or disaster. In the chapter, it specifically refers to the near-drowning experience at the Y.M.C.A. pool.

bob to the surface like a cork - This is a simile used to describe the author's body rising involuntarily to the water's surface. Like a cork, which is buoyant, his body floated upwards, often followed by a gasp for air.

curtain of life fell - This metaphorical expression signifies the end of life or a moment of extreme crisis where one feels death is imminent. It suggests a finality or a complete shutdown of consciousness.

back and forth across the pool - This describes the motion of swimming from one side of the swimming pool to the opposite side, and then returning, indicating a sustained swimming activity within the pool's confines.

Solution: The "misadventure" that William Douglas refers to is the terrifying incident that occurred at the Y.M.C.A. swimming pool when he was about ten or eleven years old. While he was waiting for his turn to swim, another boy, perhaps with the intention of a prank, tossed him into the deep end of the pool. Douglas, who was still learning to swim and had not yet overcome his fear of water, found himself struggling for his life. This traumatic event, where he experienced the sensation of drowning and the overwhelming fear associated with it, is what he calls his "misadventure." It left him with a deep-seated fear of water that persisted for many years, preventing him from enjoying water-based activities.

Solution: When William Douglas was suddenly thrown into the deep end of the Y.M.C.A. pool, a rapid series of emotions and fears overwhelmed him. Initially, there was a sense of shock and disbelief, but he did not immediately panic. As he sank, he felt the water engulfing him, and a paralyzing fear gripped him. He realized he was drowning, and this realization brought with it terror so profound that it could not be reasoned with. His mind raced, and he felt his lungs ache, his head throbbed, and his heart pound. He experienced the sensation of his legs being paralyzed and his arms unable to propel him upwards.

Despite this overwhelming fear, Douglas's survival instinct kicked in, and he began to formulate plans to reach the surface. He decided that when his feet touched the bottom, he would make a great spring, leap upwards, and break through the water's surface. He envisioned himself landing on his hands and knees and then crawling to the edge of the pool. He also thought about pushing off the bottom with all his might. These plans, born out of desperation, represented his desperate attempts to regain control and escape the terrifying situation.