The Ball Poem – CBSE Answer Key (2016–2025)
This document provides model answers to frequently asked CBSE board questions from 2016 to
2025 for the poem 'The Ball Poem' by John Berryman.
Q: 2016: Write the sum and substance of the poem 'The Ball Poem'. (40-50 words)
Ans: The poem highlights the theme of loss and growing up. When the boy loses his ball, he
realizes that material possessions can be replaced but not the feelings attached to them. He learns
to accept loss as a natural part of life and grows in responsibility.
Q: 2018: 'He senses first responsibility' – What responsibility is referred to here?
Ans: It refers to the boy’s realization that he must learn to deal with loss and accept responsibility
for his belongings. This is his first lesson in handling the challenges of life.
Q: 2020: Why is 'money' said to be external in the poem?
Ans: The poet calls money 'external' because it can buy material objects but cannot replace the
feelings or emotions attached to a lost possession. True loss cannot be compensated by money.
Q: 2021: Why does the poet not console the boy?
Ans: The poet does not console the boy because he wants him to experience and learn the reality
of loss on his own. It is a necessary lesson of growing up that cannot be taught by others’ words.
Q: 2023: What does 'What, what is he to do?' convey about the boy’s state of mind?
Ans: The repetition conveys the boy’s confusion, helplessness, and inability to cope immediately
with the loss. He feels deeply shaken and uncertain about how to react.
Q: 2024: Explain the meaning of 'All his young days into the harbour'.
Ans: The line symbolizes that the ball carried the boy’s childhood memories and innocence. As the
ball falls into the harbour, it signifies the loss of his carefree childhood days.
Q: 2025: The loss of the ball is a lesson to the boy. Elaborate. (40-50 words)
Ans: The boy learns that losses are inevitable in life and cannot always be replaced. This incident
teaches him resilience, responsibility, and the value of moving forward after a setback. It is his first
lesson in coping with grief and growing mature.
This document provides model answers to frequently asked CBSE board questions from 2016 to
2025 for the poem 'The Ball Poem' by John Berryman.
Q: 2016: Write the sum and substance of the poem 'The Ball Poem'. (40-50 words)
Ans: The poem highlights the theme of loss and growing up. When the boy loses his ball, he
realizes that material possessions can be replaced but not the feelings attached to them. He learns
to accept loss as a natural part of life and grows in responsibility.
Q: 2018: 'He senses first responsibility' – What responsibility is referred to here?
Ans: It refers to the boy’s realization that he must learn to deal with loss and accept responsibility
for his belongings. This is his first lesson in handling the challenges of life.
Q: 2020: Why is 'money' said to be external in the poem?
Ans: The poet calls money 'external' because it can buy material objects but cannot replace the
feelings or emotions attached to a lost possession. True loss cannot be compensated by money.
Q: 2021: Why does the poet not console the boy?
Ans: The poet does not console the boy because he wants him to experience and learn the reality
of loss on his own. It is a necessary lesson of growing up that cannot be taught by others’ words.
Q: 2023: What does 'What, what is he to do?' convey about the boy’s state of mind?
Ans: The repetition conveys the boy’s confusion, helplessness, and inability to cope immediately
with the loss. He feels deeply shaken and uncertain about how to react.
Q: 2024: Explain the meaning of 'All his young days into the harbour'.
Ans: The line symbolizes that the ball carried the boy’s childhood memories and innocence. As the
ball falls into the harbour, it signifies the loss of his carefree childhood days.
Q: 2025: The loss of the ball is a lesson to the boy. Elaborate. (40-50 words)
Ans: The boy learns that losses are inevitable in life and cannot always be replaced. This incident
teaches him resilience, responsibility, and the value of moving forward after a setback. It is his first
lesson in coping with grief and growing mature.
