ROSE MARY MODEL PUBLIC

SCHOOL

INVESTIGATORY PROJECT 2024-2025

ENGLISH
“DEEP WATER”

Submitted by
JESWIN IMMANUEL R
CLASS XII
 ROSE MARY MODEL PUBLIC
SCHOOL

Certificate

This is to certify that the project report entitled “Deep Water” submitted by
Jeswin Immanuel R is original and has been completed by him under my supervision
and is completed in all respects for AISSCE.

This report is the result of his effort and endeavors. This report is found worthy
of acceptance as final project report for the subject of English of class XII. He has
prepared the report under my guidance during the academic year 2024-2025 in
partial fulfillment of English practical exam conducted by AISSCE, New Delhi on .

Signature of Signature of Principal Signature of

External Examiner Faculty of English
 Acknowledgement

As a student of Class XII, I did this project as a part of my studies entitled

“Deep Water”.

In the accomplishment of this project successfully, many people have bestowed

upon me their blessings and the heart pledged support, this time I am utilizing to
thank all the people who have been concerned with this project.

Primarily I would thank god being able to complete this project with success.
Then I would like to thank my Principal Mrs.R.Malin Pramila.,M.A.,M.Phil.,B.Ed.,
and English teacher Mrs.S.Eugenie.,M.A.,B.Ed., whose valuable guidance has been
the ones that helped me patch this project and make it full proof success. Her
suggestions and her instructions have served as the major contributor towards the
completion of the project.

Then I would like to thank my parents and friends who have helped me with
their valuable suggestions and guidance which has been very helpful in various
phases of the completion of this project.

Last but not the least I would like to thank my classmates who have helped me a
lot.

JESWIN IMMANUEL R
CLASS XII
 INDEX

S.N CONTENTS PAG

o E
NO
1. Author Introduction 1

2. Introduction of Story 2

3. Character Sketch 3-4

4. The Experience at YMCA Pool 5-6

5. Fear of Water 7

6. The Vanquish 8-9

7. Moral of the Story 10

8. Bibliography 11
Author Introduction

William Orville Douglas, born on October 16,

1898, in Maine, Minnesota, was an influential
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United
States, serving from 1939 to 1975. Known for his
strong defense of civil liberties and environmental
causes, Douglas remains one of the longest-serving
justices in the Court's history.
He graduated from Whitman College and then earned
his law degree from Columbia Law School, where he later taught. Douglas's career
also included a significant stint as the chairman of the Securities and Exchange
Commission before his Supreme Court appointment by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt. Beyond his judicial work, Douglas was a prolific writer, authoring
numerous books on law, as well as travelogues, and adventure stories that often
reflected his love for nature and the outdoors.
His writings include notable works such as "Of Men and Mountains," which
recounts his experiences in the wilderness, and "My Wilderness: East to Katahdin,"
showcasing his passion for conservation. Throughout his tenure, Douglas's judicial
opinions underscored his commitment to individual rights and progressive values.
His legacy is marked by his unwavering support for the First Amendment, his
advocacy for the preservation of wilderness areas, and his progressive stances on
social issues, leaving an indelible impact on American jurisprudence and
environmental law.
Douglas passed away on January 19, 1980, in Bethesda, Maryland, leaving behind a
profound legacy of judicial activism, literary contributions, and environmental
stewardship.
Introduction of Story

"Deepwater," authored by the renowned Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas,

is a compelling short story that delves into the themes of fear, courage, and the
transformative power of nature. Douglas, who is celebrated for his passionate
defense of civil liberties and environmental preservation, brings his intimate
knowledge of the wilderness into this narrative, creating a richly textured and
emotionally charged tale. The story centers on a young boy named William, who
must confront his deep-seated fear of water. Set against the backdrop of the rugged
outdoors, Douglas uses his descriptive prowess to paint a vivid picture of the natural
world, capturing both its serene beauty and its intimidating vastness.

As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into the boy's internal struggle and his
determination to overcome his phobia. The deepwater in the story serves as a
powerful metaphor for the obstacles and fears that everyone faces at some point in
their lives. Douglas’s writing is not only a testament to his storytelling skills but also
to his philosophical beliefs about the human spirit's capacity for resilience and
growth.

Through "Deepwater," Douglas explores the psychological complexities of fear and

the profound sense of achievement that comes with conquering it. The narrative is
imbued with suspense, as the boy’s journey is fraught with tension and uncertainty.
Yet, it is also a story of hope and empowerment, reflecting Douglas's conviction that
nature is both a formidable adversary and a benevolent teacher.
In "Deepwater," readers find an inspiring and thought-provoking tale that transcends
its immediate setting to offer universal insights into the human condition. Douglas’s
meticulous attention to detail and his profound understanding of nature make this
story a memorable and impactful piece of literature, showcasing his unique ability to
merge his legal intellect with his literary talent.

Character Sketch
In "Deep Water," a short story by William Douglas, the author himself
is the protagonist. The narrative is a personal recount of his struggles with a deep-
seated fear of water and his eventual triumph over it.

Background and Personality

 Youth and Early Life: As a young boy, Douglas had a traumatic experience
that instilled a profound fear of water in him. This incident occurred when he
was around ten or eleven years old at a beach in California. Later, a near-
drowning experience at the YMCA pool reinforced this fear.
 Intelligent and Perceptive: Douglas shows a keen understanding of his own
psyche and the nature of fear. He is able to analyse and articulate the feelings
and physical sensations that accompany his terror of water.

Traits and Characteristics

 Fearful Yet Determined: Initially, Douglas is characterized by his intense fear
of water, which prevents him from enjoying typical childhood activities and
poses a significant obstacle in his life. Despite this fear, he displays
remarkable determination to overcome it.
 Resilient and Courageous: His journey to conquer his fear is marked by
resilience. He persists through numerous setbacks and moments of terror,
showing immense courage.
 Methodical and Tenacious: Douglas approaches his fear systematically. He
hires a swimming instructor and practices diligently, demonstrating his
methodical nature and tenacity. His willingness to face his fear repeatedly,
even after relapses, highlights his perseverance.

Evolution and Growth

 Initial Trauma: Douglas's character is initially shaped by his traumatic
experiences with water, which leave him with a paralyzing fear.
  Journey to Overcome Fear: His evolution is marked by his relentless efforts to
conquer this fear. He undergoes rigorous training, starting with learning to
swim and gradually building confidence in the water.
 Triumph and Empowerment: By the end of the story, Douglas has not only
learned to swim but also overcome the psychological barrier that water
represented. This triumph empowers him and transforms his outlook on life,
instilling a sense of accomplishment and freedom.

Inner Conflict and Resolution

 Struggle with Fear: Throughout the narrative, Douglas battles with his inner
fear. This conflict is both psychological and physical, as he must confront his
paralyzing terror every time he enters the water.
 Overcoming Adversity: The resolution comes through his dogged persistence
and systematic approach to mastering swimming. The successful overcoming
of his fear marks a significant personal victory, resolving the inner conflict
and allowing him to move forward with confidence.

In "Deep Water," William Douglas emerges as a multifaceted character whose

journey from fear to triumph is a testament to human resilience and the power of
determination. His story is an inspiring narrative about overcoming personal
limitations and fears through courage, persistence, and methodical effort.
The Experience at YMCA Pool

Douglas decided to learn swimming at the YMCA pool in Yakima when he

was about eleven years old. His motivation stemmed from a desire to overcome his
fear of water, which had been triggered by a previous traumatic experience at a
beach in California.
He chose the YMCA pool because it was considered safe and suitable for
beginners. The pool was two or three feet deep at the shallow end and nine feet deep
at the deeper end, providing a seemingly secure environment for learning.

One day, when Douglas was alone at the pool, a bigger, older boy approached
him. Seemingly on a whim, the boy picked Douglas up and threw him into the deep
end of the pool. As Douglas hit the water, sheer terror engulfed him. He had no idea
how to swim and felt paralyzed by fear.
 He sank to the bottom of the pool, feeling an overwhelming sense of
helplessness and impending doom. Determined to survive, Douglas made frantic
efforts to reach the surface.
He attempted to push himself up from the bottom, but each time he surfaced,
he struggled to stay afloat and quickly sank again.

Then all efforts ceased. Even his legs felt limp; and a blackness swept over his
brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was quiet
and peaceful. Nothing to be afraid of. He crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life
fell.
After multiple attempts, Douglas became exhausted. His panic began to
transform into a numb acceptance of his fate. In his exhausted state, he experienced
a sensation of drowsiness
and almost a peaceful
resignation to drowning.
Fear of Water

Just when Douglas was on the verge of losing consciousness, a bystander

or lifeguard noticed his distress and pulled him out of the water, saving him from
drowning.

Although physically unharmed, the psychological impact on Douglas was

immediate and severe. The near-drowning experience left him in a state of shock and
deepened his fear of water.
The incident at the YMCA pool significantly heightened Douglas’s
existing fear of water. The terror he experienced became ingrained in his psyche,
making even the thought of water a source of anxiety.
This traumatic experience affected Douglas long after the event. He
developed a strong aversion to water-related activities and avoided situations where
he might have to confront his fear. The incident cast a long shadow over his life,
affecting his confidence and limiting his activities.
The Vanquish

Despite the deep-seated fear instilled by his near-drowning experience at

the YMCA pool, Douglas was determined to conquer his phobia. He realized that
avoiding water was limiting his life and decided to confront this fear head-on.
Douglas hired a swimming instructor to help him systematically learn how to swim.
He understood that professional guidance was essential in tackling his fear
effectively.

The
instructor employed a step-by-step approach, starting with the basics. Douglas spent
several weeks learning how to put his face in the water, breathe properly, and float.
This gradual progression helped him build confidence. Consistency was key in
Douglas’s journey. He practiced swimming every day, gradually increasing the time
he spent in the water and the complexity of the exercises.
Through repeated exposure, Douglas began to desensitize himself to the
fear. The more time he spent in the water, the more he became accustomed to it,
reducing his anxiety.
Overcoming his fear was not just a physical challenge but a
psychological one. Douglas had to constantly fight the panic and terror that arose
every time he entered the water. He used mental exercises to calm himself, repeating
affirmations and focusing on his progress.
Visualization played a crucial role in Douglas’s recovery. He imagined himself
swimming confidently, which helped him build a positive association with water.
Over time, Douglas mastered various swimming techniques. He learned to
coordinate his movements, breathe correctly, and swim efficiently. Each small
success boosted his confidence and reduced his fear.

The true test came when he confronted the deep end of the pool again. Using all
the skills and confidence he had built, Douglas managed to swim across the deep
end without panic, marking a significant victory.
There were moments of relapse where fear threatened to overwhelm him, but
Douglas persisted. His unwavering determination and consistent practice paid off
as he gradually eradicated the fear.
Conquering his fear of water liberated Douglas. He could now enjoy swimming
and water-related activities without the shadow of terror hanging over him. This
newfound confidence extended beyond the pool, positively impacting other areas
of his life.
Moral of the Story

Douglas demonstrates that true courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to
confront and overcome it. Despite his deep-seated fear of water, he resolves to
confront it head-on and actively seeks ways to conquer it.
The narrative emphasizes the importance of persistence and resilience in achieving
personal growth. Douglas doesn't give up after initial setbacks or relapses but
continues to practice diligently and seek professional guidance until he achieves his
goal.
"Deep Water" teaches that limiting beliefs, often rooted in past traumas or
experiences, can be conquered through determined effort and perseverance.
Douglas’s journey from a traumatized child to a confident swimmer illustrates how
one can overcome psychological barriers through systematic effort and
determination.
The story underscores the transformative power of facing and conquering one’s
fears. Douglas’s victory over his fear of water not only allows him to enjoy
swimming but also boosts his self-confidence and opens new possibilities in his life.
Lastly, "Deep Water" serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges. It
encourages individuals to confront their fears, seek support when needed, and
persevere through difficulties, knowing that they too can achieve personal triumphs.
Bibliography

 https://www.englishopus.com/deep-water
 https://byjus.com/cbse-notes/class-12-english-deep-water-
summary/
 http://www.opjstamnar.com/download/Worksheets/Day-39/
ENG-XII.pdf