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3.deep Water by Prose William Douglas

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110 views2 pages

3.deep Water by Prose William Douglas

Uploaded by

Archana Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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"Deep Water" by William Douglas

"Deep Water" by William Douglas is a deeply personal essay that recounts the author's harrowing
experience with water and his eventual triumph over the fear of drowning. The narrative is both
a gripping tale of survival and an inspiring story of overcoming fear through perseverance and
determination.

### Summary

### Key Points

- **Early Fear of Water:** William Douglas begins by describing his initial fear of water, which
began at the age of three or four when he was knocked down by a wave at a beach in California.
This incident left a lasting impression on him, instilling a deep-seated fear of water.

- **The Y.M.C.A. Pool Incident:** Determined to overcome his fear, Douglas decided to learn to
swim. He enrolled in swimming lessons at the Y.M.C.A. pool in Yakima, but an incident at the pool
only exacerbated his fear. A big boy, in a seemingly playful manner, picked him up and tossed him
into the deep end of the pool. Douglas, unable to swim, struggled to stay afloat and nearly
drowned before he was rescued.

- **The Psychological Impact:** This near-drowning experience left Douglas with a profound fear
of water. For years, he avoided swimming and even the sight of water would cause him great
anxiety. The psychological impact of this experience was so intense that it affected his ability to
enjoy any activity involving water.

- **Conquering the Fear:** As an adult, Douglas resolved to conquer his fear once and for all. He
hired a swimming instructor who methodically taught him to swim using a combination of
techniques and practice sessions. Gradually, Douglas gained confidence in his ability to stay afloat
and swim.

- **Testing His Skills:** To ensure that he had truly overcome his fear, Douglas tested his skills in
various bodies of water, including lakes and rivers. Each successful swim bolstered his confidence
and diminished his fear.

- **Philosophical Reflection:** The narrative concludes with Douglas reflecting on the broader
implications of his experience. He emphasizes that the fear of water was a metaphor for all kinds
of fears that people face in life. Overcoming his fear of water taught him a valuable lesson about
the power of determination and the importance of confronting and overcoming one's fears.

### Themes

- **Fear and Overcoming It:** The central theme of "Deep Water" is the author's struggle with
and eventual triumph over his fear of drowning. The story highlights the debilitating effects of
fear and the courage required to confront and overcome it.
- **Perseverance and Determination:** Douglas's journey from a terrified boy to a confident
swimmer underscores the importance of perseverance and determination in overcoming
obstacles. His relentless effort to conquer his fear serves as an inspiration to readers.
- **Psychological Trauma:** The story delves into the long-lasting impact of psychological trauma
and how a single incident can shape a person's fears and behaviors. Douglas's detailed recounting
of his fear emphasizes the need to address and resolve such traumas.
- **Empowerment through Skill Acquisition:** The process of learning to swim and mastering
the skill is depicted as a path to empowerment. By acquiring the skills needed to swim, Douglas
gains control over his fear and his life.

"Deep Water" by William Douglas is a powerful narrative that captures the essence of human
resilience. It serves as a testament to the idea that with determination and the right approach,
one can overcome even the most deeply ingrained fears. The story is both a personal memoir and
an inspirational message about facing and conquering life's challenges.

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