NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 8 - The Ball Poem Poem

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Question 1:

Why does the poet say, “I would not intrude on him”? Why doesn’t he offer him money to buy another ball?

ANSWER:

The poet refrains from interfering because he believes it is essential for the boy to learn the significance of loss on his own. Instead of offering money to buy another ball, the poet considers it futile as he wants the boy to understand his responsibility in dealing with loss, which cannot be replaced by material possessions.

 

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Question 2:

“… staring down/All his young days into the harbor where/His ball went…”

ANSWER:

Yes, it appears that the boy has possessed the ball for a considerable duration. When the ball fell into the water, it evoked a flood of childhood memories within him. This suggests a deep connection between the ball and the days of his playful youth. The realization that those moments and the ball itself are irretrievable reinforces the poignant nature of the boy's experience.

 

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Question 3:

What does “in the world of possessions” mean?

ANSWER:

The phrase "in the world of possessions" refers to a realm where everything revolves around acquiring and owning things. It encompasses the pursuit of land, property, money, and other material possessions. By losing the ball, a seemingly insignificant object, the poet highlights the boy's understanding of the concept of loss within a world that emphasizes possession. The boy realizes that while one can acquire more things through purchase, some losses cannot be remedied with mere transactions.

 

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Question 4:

Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier? Pick out the words that suggest the answer.

ANSWER:

No, it seems that the boy has not encountered any losses before. The words suggesting this are "senses first responsibility in a world of possessions."

 

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Question 5:

What does the poet say the boy is learning from the loss of the ball? Try to explain this in your own words.

ANSWER:

The poet implies that the boy learns how to navigate a world where possessions are transient. Losing the ball teaches him the harsh reality that while he can replace lost items with new ones, certain things cannot be regained. The boy begins to comprehend the meaning of loss and his first responsibility in a world centered on materialism. The poet emphasizes that it is not money but the profound understanding of loss that the boy should acquire. Through this experience, the boy learns resilience and the ability to overcome losses, ultimately grasping the true nature and significance of loss.

 

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Question 6:

Have you ever lost something you liked very much? Write a paragraph describing how you felt then, and saying whether — and how — you got over your loss.

ANSWER:

Certainly, I have encountered numerous losses in my life. However, the memory of losing my camera remains vivid in my mind. My father had given it to me as a gift on my fourteenth birthday, filling me with immense joy. I proudly showed it to my friends. On a fateful day, while traveling on a local bus, I absentmindedly left my camera on the seat. As I disembarked, I realized my devastating loss. I experienced profound sadness for an extended period due to this misfortune. However, with time, I gradually accepted the loss and focused on cherishing the memories captured in my mind rather than relying solely on material possessions.