Question:

Explain the paradox in the line ‘Because I had experienced both the sensation of dying and the terror of fear ..........., the will to live grew in intensity.’ (Deep Water)

(Answer in 40-50 words)

Show Hint

Explain that the near-death terror, instead of weakening him, increased his desire to live, since fear of death was worse than death.
Updated On: Oct 23, 2026
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Know what a paradox is:
A paradox is a statement that seems to contradict itself but holds a truth. Here, nearly dying should have broken the writer's spirit, yet it made him love life more.

Step 2: Note the marking-scheme points:
The thought of death is frightening, while death itself is not so scary; the fear of death is worse than death.

Final Answer:
The paradox lies in the fact that facing death strengthened his love for life. Douglas nearly drowned, felt the sensation of dying and the terror of fear, yet instead of giving up, he developed a stronger will to live, because the fear of death was worse than death itself.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top CBSE CLASS XII English Core Questions

View More Questions