Question

What sort of terror seized Douglas as he went down the 'water with a yellow glow?' How could he feel he was still alive?

Answer 1

Hint: 'Deep Water' is a short narrative from the author's autobiography, 'Of Men and Mountains.' Douglas was a staunch supporter of individual liberty. He served on the Supreme Court of the United States for 36 years, retiring in 1975. He is the court's all-time longest-serving Justice.

Complete answer:
He discusses his phobia of water and how he overcame it through persistence and willpower in this piece. He used to go to the beach in California with his father when he was 3 or 4 years old. The power of the gigantic waves that washed over him terrified him, instilling anxiety in his subconscious mind.

He entered a swimming pool a few years later in his eagerness to learn to swim when an incident added to his anxiety. Another boy pushed him into the water, and he had a close encounter with death. Douglas was gripped by a terrifying panic. He was terrified; his thoughts came to a halt, and his body felt paralysed, rigid, and stiff. Only those who have personally experienced this level of dread can comprehend it. He couldn't shout because he couldn't. The only thing that made him feel alive was the hammering in his heart. Death seemed to be creeping in on him.

Note:
- He avoided water for many years after that occurrence, but the urge to go fishing and swimming in nature was strong enough to inspire him to conquer his fear.
- He learned to swim with the assistance of a teacher who assured him that William was capable of swimming in large lakes and waterfalls.