Background of the Story Autobiographical account of Douglas’s childhood fear of water Fear developed after a near-drowning experience at a swimming pool Later overcome through training and determination Time Written Mid-20th century (reflecting Douglas’s early life experiences) Author’s Purpose To show how fear can control life To inspire readers to overcome fear through courage and persistence To demonstrate that fear is psychological and conquerable Setting YMCA swimming pool Yakima River Time: Author’s childhood and later youth Characters William Douglas (narrator) Older boy Swimming instructor Father Perspective First-person narration Personal and realistic account of fear and recovery Detailed Summary Early Fear of Water Douglas’s fear begins in childhood at the beach. He is warned about waves, which creates an initial sense of danger. Decision to Learn Swimming To overcome fear, he joins the YMCA swimming po...
English Language & Literature