The Ball Poem Summary in English
The Ball Poem
What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
What, what is he to do? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over — there it is in the water!
No use to say ‘O there are other balls’:
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went. I would not intrude on him;
A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now
He senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions. People will take
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.
He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,
The epistemology of loss, how to stand up
Knowing what every man must one day know
And most know many days, how to stand up.
BY JOHN BERRYMAN
.png "John Berryman,The Ball Poem, Summary, American literature")
Summary of The Ball Poem
"The Ball Poem" by John Berryman is a 25-line poem written in free verse, which makes it difficult to divide into traditional stanzas. However, the poem can be broken down into sections based on its content, which allows for a section-wise summary. For the purpose of this summary, we will divide the poem into five sections.
Section 1: Lines 1-5
In the opening lines, the poet introduces the central event of the poem: a boy losing his ball. The boy is described as standing and watching the ball as it bounces away from him, heading towards a body of water. These lines set the stage for the themes of loss and change that are explored throughout the poem. The image of the ball bouncing away from the boy evokes the sudden and unexpected nature of loss, while the water serves as a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of change.
Section 2: Lines 6-10
In this section, the poet delves deeper into the emotional impact of the boy's loss. The boy is described as feeling a sense of disbelief and sadness, as he watches the ball disappear into the water. The poet emphasizes that the boy is not just losing a toy, but something more significant: a cherished possession that holds memories and emotional value. This section introduces the idea that material possessions can be replaced, but the emotional attachment and memories associated with them are irreplaceable.
Section 3: Lines 11-15
Here, the poet begins to explore the broader implications of the boy's loss. The boy's experience serves as a metaphor for the universal experience of loss, as everyone must come to terms with the fact that life is full of unexpected changes and that nothing lasts forever. The poet suggests that the boy's loss of the ball is an essential part of his maturation process, as it forces him to confront the reality of loss and the impermanence of material possessions.
Section 4: Lines 16-20
In this section, the poet delves into the theme of personal growth, highlighting the importance of learning from loss. The boy is encouraged to accept the loss of the ball and to use this experience to shape his future. The poet implies that this newfound understanding of loss and change will help the boy navigate the challenges of life and become a stronger, more resilient individual.
Section 5: Lines 21-25
In the closing lines, the poet returns to the image of the boy standing by the water, watching the ball disappear. The poem ends on a note of acceptance and growth, as the boy comes to terms with his loss and begins to move forward. The final line, "This is the world," serves as a reminder that the world is full of loss and change, and that individuals must learn to adapt and grow in order to survive and thrive.
In conclusion, John Berryman's "The Ball Poem" is a poignant exploration of the themes of loss, personal growth, and the process of learning through the simple yet powerful narrative of a boy losing his ball. The poem can be divided into five sections, each highlighting different aspects of the boy's emotional journey and the broader implications of his loss. Through its vivid imagery, symbolism, and unique style, "The Ball Poem" remains a celebrated classic in American literature.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png&description=The Ball Poem Summary Class 10 English){kind=link}
0 Comments