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English Core · 2026 · 5 marks
CBSE 2026 · Region 3 · Set 1 · Q12
Analyse the portrayal of fear and freedom in 'Deep Water' and 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers'.
Analyse the portrayal of fear and freedom in 'Deep Water' and 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers'.
Board’s value points
What CBSE’s own marking scheme for this paper expects an answer to cover.
Fear caused in Douglas by mishap at beach, pool- leads to inability to enjoy life whereas Aunt's fear caused by oppressive marriage / husband-leads to suppressed emotions/ desires/loss of identity
Douglas hires instructor, works persistently, finally overcomes fear, even crossed lake whereas Aunt vented out feelings through her art, opposite to her personality but couldn't free herself from fear, not even after death
Both suffered trauma but one overcame, the other couldn't
While Douglas's journey reflects victory over fear and achievement of personal freedom, Aunt Jennifer's life reveals how deeply ingrained social structures can only offer freedom in imagination.More from Flamingo: Deep Water
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CBSE Class 12 English Core past-paper question from the 2026board exam, with the answer as CBSE’s own marking scheme gives it. Where our answers come from.