Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 3 Deep Water
Chapter 3: Deep Water – Summary and Key Insights
Author: William Douglas
Genre: Autobiographical/Personal Essay
Theme: Conquering fear, the power of determination, and the importance of courage
Chapter Summary
Deep Water is a deeply inspiring autobiographical account by William Douglas, where he narrates his personal experience of overcoming a fear of water. This fear, born out of a childhood incident, haunted him for years. However, through persistence, willpower, and systematic training, he was eventually able to conquer it.
Douglas begins by describing an incident at the age of ten when he went to the YMCA swimming pool to learn how to swim. He had previously developed a slight aversion to water after a childhood experience at a beach, where waves knocked him over. However, his real fear developed when a bigger boy at the YMCA pool threw him into the deep end as a joke. Douglas sank to the bottom, and although he tried to come up by making a jump, he failed multiple times and nearly drowned.
This traumatic experience created a deep-seated fear of water in him. Even simple acts like walking near water or boating would revive this fear. But rather than accept defeat, Douglas chose to face his fear head-on. He hired a swimming instructor and underwent months of training. Bit by bit, his fear diminished. After mastering swimming, Douglas tested himself in lakes and rivers to ensure he had truly overcome it.
In the end, he reflects that facing and conquering this fear gave him a deep sense of victory. It taught him that fear is something internal that can be overcome with courage and perseverance.
Key Themes
Fear and Its Psychological Impact
Douglas shows how fear can become deeply rooted in the mind, influencing behavior for years.Courage and Determination
The chapter emphasizes that with determination and a step-by-step approach, even the worst fears can be overcome.Persistence and Patience
Overcoming fear is not a one-time effort. Douglas’s journey was gradual and required patience and consistency.Self-realization and Triumph
The personal victory over fear brings a sense of empowerment, which Douglas calls the “moment of liberation.”
Character Sketch: William Douglas
A young, determined boy who turns into a fearless man through consistent effort.
Initially timid due to traumatic experiences but refuses to let fear dominate his life.
Represents resilience and personal growth.
Important Points
YMCA Pool Incident: A turning point in his life that instilled a strong fear of water.
The Bigger Boy: An unnamed boy who threw Douglas into the pool, unintentionally causing trauma.
Douglas’s Reaction: Tried logical tricks to escape drowning but failed due to panic.
Fear\’s Hold: Even after physical safety, fear remained mentally strong.
Training: Systematic training with an instructor and personal willpower helped overcome the fear.
Victory: Final testing in natural water bodies proved the complete conquest of fear.
Important Questions
Q1. What is the ‘deep water’ that the author refers to in the story?
Q2. What childhood incident led to William Douglas developing a fear of water?
Q3. How did Douglas try to overcome his fear?
Q4. What methods did the instructor use to train him?
Q5. What was Douglas’s reaction after he finally conquered his fear?
Q6. How does the story ‘Deep Water’ inspire the readers?
Q7. Explain the quote: “In death there is peace. There is terror only in the fear of death.”
Answers
A1.
The ‘deep water’ in the story symbolizes both the literal swimming pool water and the metaphorical depth of fear that the author had to overcome. It represents his intense fear of drowning.
A2.
William Douglas developed a fear of water when he was thrown into the deep end of the YMCA pool by an older boy. He nearly drowned and felt helpless, which created a psychological fear that haunted him for years.
A3.
Douglas decided not to let fear control his life. He hired a swimming instructor and practiced swimming regularly. With time and effort, he faced his fear step by step until he finally overcame it.
A4.
The instructor taught Douglas how to breathe properly, how to float, and gradually introduced him to various swimming strokes. He used ropes, pulleys, and constant practice to rebuild Douglas’s confidence in the water.
A5.
After conquering his fear, Douglas felt liberated and overjoyed. He tested himself in different water bodies like lakes and rivers, and when he no longer felt fear, he experienced a strong
sense of achievement.
A6.
The story inspires readers by showing that fear is a psychological barrier that can be defeated with courage, patience, and determination. It encourages one to face challenges rather than run from them.
A7.
This quote reflects Douglas’s realization during his drowning experience. He felt that death itself was peaceful, but it was the overwhelming fear of death that caused the terror. Once fear was removed, even death seemed calm.
Preparation Tips for Students
Focus on the emotional and psychological transformation of the author.
Practice value-based questions such as moral lessons and life skills.
Memorize key incidents in chronological order for storytelling-based questions.
Be prepared to explain metaphors and quotes used in the chapter.
Use real-life examples when writing essays or long answers on courage and overcoming fear.
Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 3 Deep Water
Deep Water – NCERT Textbook Questions and Answers
Notice these words and expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context:
- Treacherous: Refers to something dangerous and unpredictable, like the Yakima River mentioned in the text.
- Subdued my pride: Means the author suppressed or overcame his ego and accepted his fear.
- Misadventure: Refers to an unfortunate or unexpected incident, especially a minor accident.
- Bob to the surface like a cork: Means to float quickly to the surface of water, just like a cork does.
- Flailed at the surface: Describes uncontrolled, frantic movements of arms and legs while trying to stay afloat.
- Curtain of life fell: A metaphorical way to express the experience of being close to death.
- Fishing for landlocked salmon: Refers to catching salmon that live in freshwater bodies entirely surrounded by land.
- Back and forth across the pool: Moving repeatedly from one end of the pool to the other and back again.
Think as You Read – Page 27
Question 1. What is the “misadventure” that William Douglas speaks about?
William Douglas recounts an incident from his childhood when an older boy suddenly picked him up and tossed him into the deep end of a swimming pool at the Y.M.C.A. This unexpected and terrifying experience is referred to as a \”misadventure\” by the author.
Question 2. What were the series of emotions and fears that Douglas experienced when he was thrown into the pool? What plans did he make to come to the surface?
As Douglas was thrown into the pool, he felt intense fear but tried to remain calm and alert. He planned to wait until his feet touched the bottom and then push himself up to the surface. He imagined himself lying flat and paddling to the edge of the pool. Although scared, he stayed mentally engaged and attempted to execute his escape plan.
Question 3. How did this experience affect him?
The incident left a lasting impact on Douglas. It instilled a deep fear of water in him, which haunted him for years. However, the encounter also motivated him to overcome this fear. He later took swimming lessons and gradually regained confidence in the water, transforming his weakness into strength.
Think as You Read – Page 29
Question 1. Why was Douglas determined to get over the fear of water?
Douglas felt crippled by his fear of water. He knew that this fear was preventing him from enjoying many experiences, such as swimming, canoeing, and boating. Determined to reclaim his freedom, he resolved to conquer his fear by learning to swim with the help of an instructor.
Question 2. How did the instructor “build a swimmer” out of Douglas?
The instructor began by putting a belt around Douglas\’s waist, which was attached to a rope and pulley system. Day after day, Douglas was moved across the pool to help him get accustomed to being in water. He was then taught how to inhale and exhale under water, followed by leg-kicking exercises. Slowly, each skill was built up until he could swim confidently. Through consistent practice, Douglas was transformed into a capable swimmer.
Question 3. How did Douglas make sure that he conquered the old terror?
To confirm that he had truly overcome his fear, Douglas tested himself alone in open water. He swam across Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire, using various strokes. Even when a hint of terror returned mid-swim, he managed to suppress it. To fully reassure himself, he later swam in Warm Lake. After crossing it, he shouted with joy, knowing he had finally triumphed over his fear.
Understanding the Text
Question 1. How does Douglas make clear to the reader the sense of panic that gripped him as he almost drowned? Describe the details that have made the description vivid.
Douglas gives a graphic account of his near-drowning experience to evoke the sheer terror he felt. He recalls being thrown into the deep end of the pool and sinking like a stone. As he struggled, his mind raced with thoughts of survival, but his body was paralyzed by fear. He describes the moment as one of \”sheer, stark terror,\” where he felt suffocated and frozen. The vivid imagery, such as pounding in his head and frozen screams, conveys the depth of his panic.
Question 2. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
Determined to eliminate his lifelong fear of water, Douglas hired a swimming instructor. The instructor methodically taught him breathing techniques, leg movements, and strokes. Gradually, Douglas learned to swim confidently. However, to be certain he had conquered his fear, he swam alone in natural water bodies like Lake Wentworth and Warm Lake. These solo swims proved to him that he had defeated his inner terror once and for all.
Question 3. Why does Douglas as an adult recount a childhood experience of terror and his conquering of it? What larger meaning does he draw from this experience?
Douglas revisits this childhood memory to highlight how he faced and overcame a deep-rooted fear. The experience symbolizes a universal truth — that fear itself is more paralyzing than the actual danger. From this ordeal, he learns that the will to live can overcome the fear of death. His personal triumph becomes a metaphor for confronting and defeating life’s obstacles through courage and perseverance.
Talking About the Text
Question 1:
\”All we have to fear is fear itself.\” Have you ever had a fear that you have now overcome? Share your experience with your partner.
Answer: It’s true that fear itself is the greatest enemy. We can only overcome our fears by confronting them again and again until they no longer hold power over us. I used to have a strong fear of playing cricket. It began in class four, when a cricket ball hit my head while I was batting. I fainted on the ground and took about two weeks to recover. The incident left me traumatized, and I stopped playing the game completely.
However, my friends encouraged me to try again. I slowly returned to the game, first playing with full protective gear like a helmet. Initially, even catching a ball during fielding scared me. But I kept at it. I started playing in my spare time and gradually regained confidence. Eventually, I overcame my fear of cricket and now enjoy playing it regularly.
Question 2:
Find and narrate other stories about conquest of fear and what people have said about courage.
Answer: History is full of examples where people have conquered fear with courage. Nelson Mandela is a shining example. Despite being imprisoned for 27 years, he remained committed to his mission of freeing South Africa from racial oppression. In his autobiography, he speaks of liberating both the oppressed and the oppressor through forgiveness and courage.
Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi led India’s freedom struggle with non-violence, facing fear with strength and calm. Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi fought fearlessly against the British. Freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru sacrificed their lives for the nation, showing unmatched bravery.
In literature, the story “We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together” from Class XI is an inspiring account of how a family battled terrifying waves during a sea voyage. Despite serious injuries and near-death experiences, their hope, courage, and unity helped them survive the ordeal.
Thinking About Language
Question 1:
If someone else had narrated Douglas’s experience, how would it have differed from this account?
Answer: If someone else had narrated William Douglas’s experience, it would have been in the third person, using “he” instead of “I”. The narration would feel less personal and might not capture the depth of fear and emotion as vividly.
For example:
\”Douglas stood at the edge of the pool, filled with dread. When the boy pushed him in, he struggled, panicked, and almost drowned. Later, he trained hard to overcome his fear.\”
The autobiographical style used by Douglas is more effective because it gives a firsthand, emotional insight. Readers connect more deeply with his personal journey, making the story more powerful and authentic.
Writing
Question 1:
Write an essay recounting an experience of learning something new and overcoming fear.
Answer:
At last I felt released—free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear.
Learning to drive was one such journey for me. I always wanted to learn driving but was nervous about controlling a vehicle. One day, my uncle took me to a quiet road on the city outskirts. He patiently explained the basics—how to start the car, use the clutch, brake, and steering.
In the beginning, I couldn’t even start the engine properly. I stalled the car repeatedly. My uncle reassured me that it was normal and encouraged me to keep practicing. After a few days, I gained confidence. But one day, I saw a truck approaching and got confused. I pressed the clutch instead of the brake. Thankfully, my uncle reacted quickly and avoided an accident. It was a narrow escape.
This incident shook me badly. I stopped driving and stayed away from cars. After a few months, a close friend motivated me to join a driving school. The instructor was calm and knowledgeable. His step-by-step guidance and focus on practical training helped me regain my confidence.
Now, I not only drive with ease but also enjoy long road trips. Overcoming the fear of driving gave me a deep sense of accomplishment.
Question 2:
Write a short letter to someone you know about your having learnt to do something new.
Answer:
52, J.N. Colony New Delhi – 110054 August 25, 20XX Dear Ramesh, I hope you are doing well! I’m excited to share something new—I’ve recently learnt how to play chess. You’ll be surprised to know that I’ve even won a state-level tournament! Remember, I had no idea about the game when you left for Udaipur. But your departure inspired me to pick up something new. Slowly, I developed a passion for chess. I practiced daily and studied famous strategies. Winning the state championship was like a dream come true. I wanted you to be the first to know. Hope we’ll have a match when we meet next! With best wishes, Your friend, Piyush Malhotra
Things to Do
Question:
Are there any water sports in India? Find out about the areas or places which are known for water sports.
Answer: Yes, India offers a wide range of water sports across various states. Some popular water sports and their locations include:
- Scuba Diving & Snorkeling – Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Havelock), Goa, Lakshadweep
- River Rafting – Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), Kullu-Manali (Himachal Pradesh)
- Jet Skiing & Parasailing – Goa, Kerala, Alibaug (Maharashtra)
- Kayaking & Canoeing – Zanskar River (Ladakh), Teesta River (Sikkim)
- Surfing – Kovalam Beach (Kerala), Gokarna (Karnataka)
- Wind Surfing – Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), Candolim Beach (Goa)
Many adventure tourism hubs promote these activities under safe, guided conditions. Water sports are becoming increasingly popular among young travelers in India.
Extra Short Answer Questions
Q1: Why did Douglas prefer to go to the YMCA pool to learn swimming?
Answer: Douglas chose the YMCA pool because it had a shallow end that was considered safe, especially for beginners. In contrast, the Yakima River was dangerous and had taken many lives.
Q2: How did Douglas remove his residual doubts about his fear of water?
Answer: Douglas removed all doubts by swimming across Warm Lake and returning. This gave him the confidence that he had fully conquered his fear.
Q3: How did the incident at the YMCA pool affect Douglas?
Answer: The YMCA pool incident left Douglas traumatized. He developed a lifelong fear of water that haunted him for years and prevented him from enjoying activities like swimming or fishing.
Q4: Which two incidents in Douglas’s early life made him scared of water?
Answer: The first incident was at a beach in California where a wave knocked him over. The second was at the YMCA pool, where he was pushed into the deep end and almost drowned.
Q5: How did the instructor turn Douglas into a swimmer?
Answer: The instructor used a rope and pulley system to help Douglas practice in water without fear. Then he taught breathing techniques and swimming strokes until Douglas could swim confidently on his own.
Q6: What did Douglas feel and do when he was pushed into the swimming pool?
Answer: Douglas panicked when he was pushed into the pool. He tried to jump back to the surface, but his plan failed. He struggled and eventually lost consciousness, thinking he would die.
Q7: How did Douglas make sure he conquered the old terror?
Answer: Douglas tested himself by swimming alone in lakes and rivers. His final test was successfully swimming across and back in Warm Lake, proving to himself that the fear was gone.
Question 8: What did Douglas experience when he went down to the bottom of the pool for the first time?
When Douglas first sank to the bottom of the pool, he felt as though the descent would never end. His lungs were on the verge of bursting. He tried to spring back up using all his strength, but failed to reach the surface and started to sink again.
Question 9: When Douglas realized that he was sinking, how did he plan to save himself?
Douglas thought that once his feet touched the bottom, he would push himself up with all his strength, float to the surface, and lie flat. From there, he would paddle to the pool\’s edge to save himself.
Question 10: What sort of terror seized Douglas as he went down in the water with a yellow glow? How could he feel that he was still alive?
As Douglas sank with a yellowish glow around him, he was gripped by an intense, uncontrollable terror. He was paralyzed with fear and couldn’t move his limbs. The only signs of life were the pounding in his head and the beating of his heart.
Question 11: What is the ‘misadventure’ that William Douglas speaks about?
The ‘misadventure’ refers to an incident at the YMCA swimming pool when Douglas was around ten or eleven years old. A big boy threw him into the deep end of the pool. Douglas sank and struggled to stay afloat but lost consciousness. Fortunately, someone pulled him out in time.
Question 12: How did this experience affect him? Or What did Douglas learn from his experience of almost drowning?
This near-drowning experience left a lasting fear in Douglas’s heart. He developed a phobia of water and avoided it completely. However, he eventually realized that he had to face his fear to enjoy life, and this inspired him to overcome it.
Question 13: Why does Douglas, as an adult, recount a childhood experience of terror and his conquering of it? What larger meaning does he draw from this experience?
Douglas shares this childhood incident to highlight how deeply it impacted his life. Conquering this fear brought him a new appreciation for life. He realized that fear is the only thing to truly be afraid of, and overcoming it showed him that with courage and willpower, any fear can be conquered.
Question 14: How did Douglas get rescued when he was thrown in the pool?
Douglas doesn’t specify who rescued him. When he regained consciousness, he found himself lying beside the pool, vomiting. Clearly, someone had pulled him out in time to save his life.
Question 15: Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
Douglas was determined to conquer his fear of water because he longed to enjoy water-related activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. His desire to reclaim his confidence and fully experience life motivated him to overcome his fear.
Question 1 (Long Answer): What happened at the YMCA swimming pool which instilled fear of water in Douglas’ mind?
While learning to swim at the YMCA pool, Douglas had a terrifying experience. One day, as he sat alone by the pool, an older boy picked him up and threw him into the deep end. Douglas, who already had a mild fear of water due to an earlier incident at the beach, struggled to come up but failed and eventually fainted. This incident left a deep scar on his mind and intensified his fear of water.
Question 2: How did Douglas’ experience at the YMCA pool affect him? How did he get over this effect?
After the pool incident, Douglas became extremely afraid of water. He avoided it completely, which affected his life and confidence. Eventually, he decided to confront his fear. He hired a swimming instructor who gradually trained him over months. With consistent practice and determination, Douglas overcame his fear and was able to swim confidently in lakes and pools.
Question 3: Describe the efforts made by Douglas to overcome his fear of water.
Douglas made a conscious decision to defeat his fear of water. He hired a skilled instructor who taught him how to swim step by step. After six months of training, he could swim the entire length of the pool. Yet, to be sure, he went on to swim across lakes like Lake Wentworth and Warm Lake. Each achievement helped him rebuild confidence and finally eliminate his fear.
Question 4: The story ‘Deep Water’ has made you realize that with determination and perseverance one can accomplish the impossible. Write a paragraph in about 120–150 words on how a positive attitude and courage will aid you to achieve success in life.
The story ‘Deep Water’ emphasizes the importance of determination, courage, and a positive mindset in overcoming life’s challenges. Douglas’s story of overcoming his fear of water serves as a powerful reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable. Despite experiencing near-death trauma, he refused to let fear control his life. His decision to learn swimming and defeat the phobia shows that with steady effort and self-belief, success is achievable. In real life too, we often face fears and failures. But by staying optimistic and courageous, we can overcome those hurdles and move forward. Just like Douglas, if we commit to a goal with persistence, we can turn our weaknesses into strengths and reach new heights in life.
Question 5: “I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell.” What was the incident which nearly killed Douglas and developed in him a strong aversion to water?
The quote refers to the moment when Douglas nearly drowned at the YMCA pool. At the age of ten or eleven, he was thrown into the deep end by a larger boy. Although he had planned to jump and save himself, the panic took over and he failed to resurface. After three failed attempts, he lost consciousness and felt as if life had ended. This terrifying incident left a lasting fear of water in his mind.
Question 6:
Douglas fully realized the truth of Roosevelt’s statement. “All we have to fear is fear itself.” How did this realization help him brush aside his fear and become an expert swimmer?
Roosevelt’s words, “All we have to fear is fear itself,” deeply resonated with Douglas after his terrifying near-drowning experience. He realized that it was not death, but the fear of death that haunted him. With strong determination, courage, and persistence, Douglas decided to overcome this fear. He hired a swimming instructor who trained him systematically.
Under the instructor\’s guidance, Douglas practiced regularly and gradually mastered the techniques of swimming. His instructor built his confidence step by step. Later, Douglas swam across Lake Wentworth and other water bodies, finally defeating his fear. This experience empowered him and proved the truth in Roosevelt’s statement.
Question 7:
How did Douglas develop an aversion to water?
Or
‘…there was terror in my heart at the overpowering force of the waves.’ When did Douglas start fearing water? Which experience further strengthened its hold on his mind and personality?
Douglas’s fear of water started at the age of three or four, when he was knocked down by a powerful wave at a beach in California while clinging to his father. Though his father laughed, Douglas was traumatized by the force of the waves, leaving him with a deep-seated fear.
The fear intensified years later when a bully pushed him into the deep end of a YMCA pool. He panicked and struggled to survive, experiencing suffocation and helplessness. Though he was rescued, the traumatic memory lingered, reinforcing his aversion to water.
Question 8:
How did the instructor make Douglas a good swimmer?
Or
How did the swimming instructor ‘build a swimmer’ out of Douglas?
Douglas decided to learn swimming from a professional instructor. The instructor trained him every day for an hour. He put a belt around Douglas’s body, which was connected to a rope and pulley. The instructor held the rope and moved Douglas back and forth across the pool, helping him get comfortable in water.
Next, Douglas was taught breathing techniques—how to exhale under water and inhale above it. The instructor also made him practice kicking with his legs until he could control his movements. Over a period of time, through patient and persistent training, the instructor turned Douglas into a confident swimmer.
Question 9:
How did Douglas make sure that he conquered his old terror?
Or
What was Douglas’ fear? How did he overcome that fear?
Or
How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?
Douglas’s fear of water began at a young age after a wave knocked him over at the beach. It worsened after a near-drowning incident in a swimming pool when he was thrown in by an older boy. These traumatic events left him terrified of water.
Determined to overcome his fear, Douglas hired an instructor and practiced swimming regularly. He was trained using a rope and pulley system and taught proper breathing and kicking techniques. After six months of training, he began swimming on his own in various lakes. Each successful swim helped him rebuild confidence, and eventually, he overcame his lifelong fear of water.
Question 10:
How does Douglas make clear to the reader the sense of panic that gripped him as he almost drowned? Describe the details that have made the description vivid.
Douglas vividly describes the overwhelming panic he experienced during his near-drowning incident. Though he had planned to jump and reach the surface like a cork, he failed. He felt paralyzed and suffocated, unable to scream. His lungs ached, his head throbbed, and his heart pounded with fear.
He describes his limbs being numb, his inability to breathe, and the feeling of water entering his lungs. Each detail—the silence, the darkness, and the sheer helplessness—conveys the terror he felt. These vivid sensations allow the reader to experience his trauma almost firsthand.
Question 11:
Justify the title ‘Deep Water’.
The title ‘Deep Water’ is symbolic of the deep-rooted fear Douglas had towards water. It also represents the deep psychological struggle he went through to overcome this fear. The story begins with his early fear at the beach, which escalates after his near-drowning at the YMCA pool.
His terror was so intense that he avoided water for years. However, he finally confronted it with determination, getting trained and eventually swimming across lakes. The ‘deep’ in the title thus also signifies the depth of his fear and the effort it took to rise above it.
Question 12:
Explain the statement— “The instructor was finished.”
“The instructor was finished” means that the instructor had completed his job of teaching Douglas how to swim. Over six months, he had trained Douglas step by step, using various techniques to help him overcome his fear and learn swimming properly.
By April, Douglas had mastered the techniques and gained confidence in the water. At this point, the instructor’s task was done. However, Douglas still had to test himself and practice further to ensure that his fear was completely gone. The instructor had done his part; now it was Douglas’s turn to move forward on his own.
Deep Water Extra Questions – Value Based Type
Question 1:
Roosevelt said, “All we have to fear is fear itself.” Do you agree? Why/why not?
Yes, Roosevelt’s quote, “All we have to fear is fear itself,” is very true. Fear often holds us back more than the actual danger itself. It paralyzes our thinking, prevents us from taking action, and keeps us from reaching our full potential.
In the story, Douglas feared water because of past experiences, not because water itself was dangerous. Once he recognized this and fought against his fear, he was able to learn swimming and enjoy the water. This shows that overcoming fear is the first step to success and personal growth.
Question 2:
Desire, determination and diligence lead to success. Explain the value of these qualities in the light of Douglas’s experience in ‘Deep Water’.
Douglas\’s journey is a powerful example of how desire, determination, and diligence can lead to success. Despite his fear, he had the strong desire to swim. His determination made him hire an instructor and stick with the training, no matter how tough it got.
With diligence, he practiced regularly, followed instructions, and gradually built confidence. Over time, his hard work paid off, and he conquered his fear of water completely. His success proves that these three qualities are essential for overcoming any obstacle in life.