Question 1 - Chapter 3 - Deep Water - Flamingo - Chapters (Literature) - English Class 12

Read the extract and answer the following questions.

Extract:

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 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.

(Deep Water)

Question (i)

What is the tone of the narrator in this extract?

1. Angry
2. Joyful
3. Fearful
4. Curious

    Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

(c) Fearful

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to understand what tone means. Tone is the attitude or emotion that the writer expresses through their words and style.
• To identify the tone of the narrator, we need to pay attention to the words and phrases that he uses to describe his feelings and experiences.
• Some of the words and phrases that indicate fear are: aversion, knocked me down, swept over me, buried in water, breath was gone, frightened, terror, overpowering force.
• These words and phrases show that the narrator was scared and anxious about the water and the waves, and did not enjoy being at the beach with his father.
• Therefore, the tone of the narrator in this extract is fearful, which is option C.😊

Question (ii)

 Explain how the contrast between the narrator's and his father's reactions to the water creates a sense of conflict in this extract.

Answer:

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Answer as written by the student:

The contrast between the narrator's and his father's reactions to the water creates a sense of conflict in this extract because it shows that they have different perspectives and expectations about the water and their relationship.

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to explain how the difference between how the narrator and his father felt and behaved towards the water caused a problem or tension in this extract.
• The narrator had an aversion to water from the beginning, and felt frightened and helpless when he was in it. He did not like being at the beach with his father, and wanted to avoid the water as much as possible.
• His father, on the other hand, did not share his son's fear of water, and laughed when he saw him being knocked down and swept over by the waves. He probably thought that it was a fun and harmless activity, and that his son would enjoy it too.
• This contrast shows that they did not understand each other's feelings or needs, and that they had different goals and desires. The narrator wanted to be safe and comfortable, while his father wanted to have fun and bond with his son.
• This created a sense of conflict in this extract, because it made the narrator feel more isolated and scared, and his father more clueless and insensitive. They did not communicate or empathize with each other, and their relationship suffered as a result.😢

Question (iii)

Identify the figurative language used in the phrase "the overpowering force of the waves".

1. Simile
2. Metaphor
3. Personification
4. Hyperbole

    Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

(c) Personification

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the type of figurative language used in the phrase "the overpowering force of the waves".
• Figurative language is when words or phrases are used in a way that is not literal, but rather to create an effect or impression.
• Some common types of figurative language are: simile, metaphor, personification, and hyperbole.
• A simile is when two things are compared using the words like or as, such as "as quiet as Sunday morning".
• A metaphor is when two things are compared without using the words like or as, such as "the waves were a wall of water".
• Personification is when something that is not human is given human qualities or characteristics, such as "the waves knocked me down and swept over me".
• Hyperbole is when something is exaggerated or overstated for emphasis or effect, such as "I was buried in water".
• The phrase "the overpowering force of the waves" uses personification, because it gives the waves a human quality of being powerful and dominating. The waves are not literally overpowering, but they make the narrator feel that way.
• Therefore, the figurative language used in this phrase is personification, which is option C.😊

Question (iv)

Based on the extract, select the most likely theme or message that the writer wants to convey.

1. Water is a source of life and joy.
2. Fear can be overcome with courage and support.
3. Parents should respect their children's feelings and preferences.
4. Nature can be unpredictable and dangerous.

    Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

(d) Nature can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to select the most likely theme or message that the writer wants to convey based on the extract.
• A theme or message is the main idea or lesson that the writer wants to share with the readers through their story or text.
• To identify the theme or message, we need to look for clues in the extract that show what the writer wants us to think or learn from the narrator's experience.
• Some of the clues in the extract that suggest a theme or message are: the narrator's aversion and fear of water, the contrast between his and his father's reactions, the description of the waves as an overpowering force, and the use of words like buried, breathless, and terror.
• These clues show that the writer wants us to understand how nature can be unpredictable and dangerous, and how it can affect people's emotions and relationships . The writer wants us to see how the water and the waves were not a source of fun or joy for the narrator, but rather a threat and a challenge. The writer also wants us to see how the narrator's father did not appreciate or respect his son's fear, and how this created a conflict between them.
• Therefore, the most likely theme or message that the writer wants to convey based on the extract is D. Nature can be unpredictable and dangerous.😮

Question (v)

What is the setting of this extract?

1. The time and place where the story or text takes place
2. The background information that introduces the characters and situation
3. The mood or atmosphere that the writer creates through their words and style
4. The conflict or problem that drives the action and plot

    Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

(a) The time and place where the story or text takes place

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the setting of this extract.
• Setting is the time and place where the story or text takes place.
• Setting can include details such as the location, the weather, the season, the historical period, the culture, etc.
• Setting can affect the characters, the plot, the theme, and the tone of the story or text.
• The setting of this extract is the beach in California, when the narrator was three or four years old.
• The setting affects the narrator's fear of water, his father's attitude, and the contrast between them.
• Therefore, the setting of this extract is the time and place where the story or text takes place, which is option A.😊

Question (vi)

How does the narrator's fear of water affect his relationship with his father in this extract?

    Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

 The narrator's fear of water affects his relationship with his father in this extract by creating a gap and a misunderstanding between them.

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to explain how the narrator's fear of water influences his interaction and connection with his father in this extract.
• The narrator's fear of water makes him feel isolated and scared when he is at the beach with his father. He does not enjoy being in the water or playing with the waves. He wants to avoid the water as much as possible.
• His father, on the other hand, does not share his son's fear of water. He laughs when he sees him being knocked down and swept over by the waves. He probably thinks that it is a fun and harmless activity, and that his son would enjoy it too.
• This difference in their feelings and expectations creates a gap and a misunderstanding between them. They do not communicate or empathize with each other. They do not respect or support each other's needs or preferences. They do not have a close or positive relationship in this extract.
• Therefore, the narrator's fear of water affects his relationship with his father in this extract by creating a gap and a misunderstanding between them.😢

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