Flamingo (Prose): Deep Water

Topics in this chapter

• Origins of Fear
• YMCA Trauma and Panic
• Training and Practice
• Conquering Fear
• Confidence and Freedom
• Narrative and Themes

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-6E1FAB

   Why did William Douglas develop a fear of water during his childhood?

   1. A.He was caught in a sudden sea storm.
   2. B.An older boy threw him into the deep end of a swimming pool.
   3. C.His instructor refused to teach him swimming.
   4. D.He fell into a river while travelling.
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-D36F39

   Which method did the swimming instructor use to help Douglas overcome his fear?

   1. A.He forced Douglas to swim across the pool without assistance.
   2. B.He taught Douglas through gradual, systematic practice using a belt and rope.
   3. C.He advised Douglas to avoid deep water permanently.
   4. D.He asked Douglas to overcome fear by watching expert swimmers.
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-77E7C8

   What is the deeper significance of Douglas's statement that he had conquered his fear of water?

   1. A.He had learned that physical strength alone can defeat every danger.
   2. B.He had discovered that avoiding frightening situations is the safest solution.
   3. C.He had gained freedom from the paralysing psychological fear that had controlled his life.
   4. D.He had become completely indifferent to the possibility of drowning.
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-8C377F

   How did Douglas finally test whether he had truly overcome his fear of water?

   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-5A3B40

   Why did William Douglas choose the YMCA swimming pool rather than the Yakima River for learning to swim?

   1. A.The pool was warmer than the river.
   2. B.The river had dangerous currents and whirlpools, while the pool seemed safer.
   3. C.His instructor refused to teach him in the river.
   4. D.The pool was closer to his school than the river.
   See the answer and solution