A Letter to God by G. L. Fuentes

Class 10 - English - First Flight - A Letter to God - Solution

The theme of the Story

The story is about a diligent farmer named Lencho who is hoping for a successful harvest if it rains. When the rain does come, followed by a devastating hailstorm, Lencho turns to God for help. He writes a letter to God asking for 100 pesos, which is enough to replant his crops. The postman and postmaster come across the letter and, in an act of kindness, collect money from their employees to send Lencho 70 pesos. Despite his initial joy, Lencho becomes upset when he realizes the missing 30 pesos and accuses the post office employees of being dishonest.

The tale highlights Lencho's unwavering faith in God, the generosity of the postmaster and employees, and the innocence of the farmer. However, it also conveys that even acts of kindness may go unrecognized and one may be mistakenly perceived as dishonest.

Short Summary

1. Lencho a Farmer: Lencho was a farmer. His house was the only one in the entire valley It was on the top of a hill. His fields needed a good harvest. He was looking towards the sky hoping for a rain. During the meal, big drops of rain began to fall. He went out to feel the rain on his body.

2. Raindrops Like Coins: Lencho was satisfied. The drops of rain were like the coins. The big drops were ten cent pieces and the little ones were worth five each. Suddenly, a strong wind began to blow Lencho was worried.

3. Hailstorm: Along with the rain came very large hailstones. They truly did resemble silver coins. The house, the fields and the hill-side were covered with the white hails. Not a leaf remained on the trees. The corn was totally destroyed. So were the flowers. Lencho was sorrowful. They would have no corn that year.

4. Only Hope; Help from God: Lencho thought that there was only one hope. It was the help from God. The following Sunday, he wrote a letter to God. He wrote that if he did not help, his whole family would die. He needed a hundred pesos in order to sow his field again and to live until the new crop came. He wrote 'To God' on the envelope, placed stamp on it and dropped it into the mailbox.

5. Strange Address: One of the postmen who read the address laughed heartily and took it to the postmaster. The postmaster was quite a friendly and pleasant man. He too broke out laughing. But soon he became serious. He realised that the sender of the letter had a great faith in God. He didn't want to shake the writer's faith in God. He decided to answer the letter.

6. Help from the Postmaster: The generous postmaster collected money from his employees. He himself gave a part of his salary. He put seventy pesos, all the money he could collect, in an envelope and sent it to Lencho by mail.

7. Lencho's Anger Against Post Office Employees: Lencho had a firm and unshaken faith in God. He did expect help from God. When he received the money, he was not surprised. But his happiness was just for some moments. When he counted the money, he became very angry. He believed that God never deceive him. Immediately, he wrote a second letter to God and posted it. The postmaster opened the letter eagerly. Lencho wrote that he received seventy pesos that had been sent by God. He requested God to send him the rest of the money. He asked God not to send the money through the mail. The post-office employees were a bunch of crooks'.

Character Sketch

1. Lencho: Lencho is the main character in the story "A Letter to God" written by G. L. Fuentes. He is a hard-working farmer who lives a simple and honest life. Despite facing adversity and the destruction of his crops by a hailstorm, Lencho holds an unwavering faith in God. He demonstrates his belief in divine intervention by writing a letter to God asking for help. Lencho is depicted as an innocent and hopeful individual who places his trust in a higher power. He is determined and resourceful, as evidenced by his willingness to replant his crops if he received the funds he asked for in his letter. Despite his disappointment when he receives only 70 pesos, Lencho remains virtuous, and writes to God again for remaining 30 pesos. In short, Lencho is a faithful, determined, and virtuous person who represents the resilience and hope of the rural community and their unwavering faith in God.

2. Postmaster: The postmaster has all that is good in human thinking and behaviour. He has thorough understanding of a sharp, sympathetic and sensitive mind. He knows how the mind of a God-fearing rustic like Lencho works. He doesn't want to break the deep faith of Lencho in God. First, he laughed at the man who wanted to have a direct correspondence with God. After reading the letter, he was deeply moved and impressed by Lencho's faith in God. He knew that merely goodwill was not sufficient. The farmer needed financial help. So he collected a sum of 70 pesos from his employees. He also contributed a part of his salary and sent the money to Lencho.

3. The Post Office Employees: The post-office employees make every effort to help Lencho. They believed that only an innocent and foolish farmer can write a letter to God. They were considerate and full of compassion. They wondered at the faith of the man who wrote that letter. But they contributed something for an act of charity'. They couldn't collect the hundred pesos but sent only seventy pesos to Lencho. Only a single word was written as a signature: 'God'.

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

Oral Comprehension Check(Page 5)

Question 1. What did Lencho hope for?

Answer:
Lencho hoped for rain because his fields needed rain. 

Question 2. Why did Lencho say the raindrops were like 'new coins'?

Answer:

Lencho said it because rain would bring good harvest which in turn will bring money for Lencho.

Question 3. How did the rain change? What happened to Lencho's fields?

Answer: 

The rain changed into hailstones. Lencho's whole crop was completely destroyed.

Question 4. What were Lencho's feelings when the hail stopped? 

Answer: 

Lencho became very sad due to the hailstorm.

Oral Comprehension Check(Page 6)

Question 1. Who or what did Lencho have faith in? What did he do? 

Answer: 

Lencho had a deep faith in God. So, he wrote a letter to God asking for 100 pesos. 

Question 2. Who read the letter?

Answer:

The postman saw the letter and he took it to the postmaster. The postmaster read the letter and was impressed to see Lencho's faith in God.

Question 3. What did the postmaster do then? 

Answer: 

The postmaster collected money from his employees and gave a part of his salary and sent the money to Lencho.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 7) 

Question 1. Was Lencho surprised to find a letter for him with money in it? 

Answer: 

No, Lencho was not surprised. He had a very strong faith in God.

Question 2. What made him angry?

Answer:

When he received 30 pesos less than he asked from God, he became angry thinking post office employees might have stolen the missing money.

Thinking About the Text (Page 7)

Question 1. Who does Lencho have complete faith in? Which sentences in the story tell you this? 

Answer: 

Lencho has complete and unshaken faith in God. He hopes that God will help him and his family from dying of starvation. So, he writes a letter to God. The line Lencho thought only of his one hope: the help of God, whose eyes as he had been instructed, see everything, even what is deep in one's conscience" proves it. 

Question 2. Why does the postmaster send money to Lencho? Why does he sign the letter 'God"?

Answer: 

The postmaster is a generous and noble person. He knows that sender of the letter, Lencho, has a deep faith in God. He doesn't want to shake the writer's faith in God. So, he decides to send money to him. He signs the letter 'God' so that it may assure Lencho that the money has really been sent by God to help him. 

Question 3. Did Lencho try to find out who had sent the money to him? Why/Why not? 

Answer: 

No, Lencho didn't try to find out who had sent the money to him. He had an unshaken faith in God. He expected a definite help from Him. So, he showed no surprise when he received the money neither did he try to find out the sender.

Q4. Who does Lencho think has taken the rest of the money? What is the irony in the situation? 

(Remember that the irony of a situation is an unexpected aspect of it. An ironic situation is strange or amusing because it is the opposite of what is expected.)

Answer: 

Lencho considers that the post-office employees are a bunch of crooks. They have taken the rest of the money. The ending of the story is ironical. The postmaster and his employees who contributed to collect seventy pesos to help Lencho are thought to be cheats by him.

Q5. Are there people like Lencho in the real world? What kind of a person would you say he is? You may select appropriate words from the box to answer the question.

Answer:

It takes all sorts of people to make this world. Though people like Lencho are rare but they do exist in this world. He is a person who has an unshaken faith in God. He can be called a "naive' 'unquestioning' and even 'stupid'.

Question 6. There are two kinds of conflict in the story: between humans and nature, and between humans themselves. How are these conflicts illustrated?

Answer: 

There are two type of conflicts in the story. The conflict between humans and nature is illustrated by the fall of huge hailstones. The rain does come but comes accompanied by hailstones that destroy everything leaves, trees and fields. The other conflict is among humans themselves. The postmaster and his employees who collect money to help Lencho are ironically considered to be a bunch of crooks by him.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS SOLVED

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Question 1. Where was Lencho's house situated?

Answer: 

Lencho was a farmer. His house was the only one in the valley. It was situated on the top of a low hill overlooking the valley. From this height, he could see the river. He could also see his fields of ripe corn dotted with flowers. The flowers always promised a good harvest. 

Question 2. What did Lencho and the earth need immediately?

Answer: 

The only thing the earth needed was rain. Lencho, being a farmer wished for a heavy rain. At least, a shower was necessary His fields needed water immediately otherwise the crop would be completely ruined. So, he would constantly look at the sky towards the north-east.

Question 3. How did the rain come as predicted by Lencho and how did he receive it? 

Answer: Lencho's wife was preparing supper. The older boys were working in the field. It was during the meal, in the north- east huge mountains of clouds could be seen approaching. Then, as Lencho had predicted, big drops of rain began to fall. Lencho went out to have the pleasure of feeling the rain on his body. To him, the rain drops were like the new coms. 

Question 4. Why were the rain drops like new coins for Lencho?

Answer: 

Lencho had been impatiently waiting for the rain. The earth needed a downpour immediately. At least, a shower was necessary to save the crops. Fortunately for Lencho, in the north-east huge of clouds could be seen approaching. Big drops of rain began to fall. Every drop was precious for the fields and the crops. The bigger drops were worth ten cent pieces and the little ones were fives.

Question 5. Why did Lencho's happiness change into deep concern?

Answer: 

As Lencho had predicted the rain did came. At the meal time, it came in the form of big drops. Naturally, the rain gladdened his heart. He could see better prospects of a good crop. However, his happiness was short lived. Suddenly, a strong wind began to blow. The rain turned into big hailstones. The falling of heavy ball of big hailstones for an hour completely alley. destroyed everything- leaves, trees and the standing crops. Naturally, such a heavy loss put Lencho into a deep concern.

 

Class X - English - First Flight - Poem - Fire and Ice by Robert Frost

Fire and Ice

-Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favour fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

Explanation

The poem "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost presents a contrast between the fire of desire and the coldness of hate, both of which are powerful passions. The speaker reflects on the idea that the world may end either in fire or in ice, and expresses their preference for fire due to their experience with desire. However, they acknowledge that the coldness of hate is equally destructive, as it can lead to the same result of destruction and the end of the world. The poem implies that intense passion, whether it be the fiery desire or the icy hate, is capable of bringing about the end of the world. The contrast between the two emotions highlights the idea that both are equally dangerous and destructive, and serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked passion.

Thinking About the Poem

Question 1. There are many ideas about how the world will ‘end’. Do you think the world will end some day? Have you ever thought what would happen if the sun got so hot that it ‘burst’, or grew colder and colder?

Answer:

It is widely accepted by scientists that the sun will eventually run out of fuel and expand into a red giant, engulfing the inner planets, before finally cooling down into a white dwarf. This process will likely take billions of years to occur.

As for the end of the world, there is currently no scientific evidence to support the idea that the world will end in a specific event. It's possible that events such as natural disasters, climate change, or even human actions could have significant impacts on life on Earth, but the Earth and the universe are expected to continue existing for a long time into the future.

Question 2. For Frost, what do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ stand for?

Answer:

In Robert Frost's poem "Fire and Ice," "fire" and "ice" are used as metaphors to represent two opposing forces or passions. Fire is often associated with intense emotions, such as desire, passion, and energy. It is seen as a powerful and transformative force that can bring about change, but also destruction.

On the other hand, ice is often associated with coldness, detachment, and lack of emotion. It is seen as a force of destruction through its ability to freeze and preserve, but also to shatter and break.

In the poem, fire and ice are used to represent the two potential causes of the end of the world. The speaker suggests that the world may end due to the intense passion of fire or the intense hatred of ice, and reflects on the destructive power of both emotions. The contrast between the two forces serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked passion and the need for balance and moderation.

Question 3. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? How does it help in bringing out the contrasting ideas in the poem?

Answer:

The rhyme scheme of Robert Frost's poem "Fire and Ice" 'is abaabcbcb'. This rhyme scheme, with its simple and repetitive pattern, helps to reinforce the contrast between the two opposing forces of fire and ice. The repetition of the rhyme reinforces the idea that the two forces are equal in their destructive power, and highlights the stark contrast between them.

The rhyme scheme also contributes to the overall rhythm and flow of the poem, making it easier to read and remember. The simple, straightforward language and repetition of the rhyme scheme add to the impact of the contrasting ideas, making them more memorable and emphasizing the importance of the message being conveyed.

In this way, the rhyme scheme supports the overall message of the poem, which is to highlight the dangers of unchecked passion and the need for balance and moderation. By using a simple rhyme scheme, Frost emphasizes the simplicity of the ideas being presented, making it easier for the reader to understand and internalize the message.

Extra Questions from old CBSE Examination Papers

Question 1. “Fire and Ice” was first published in 1920. Briefly explain how the WW I might have influenced the theme of the poem. 

[CBSE QB, 2020-21]

"Fire and Ice" was first published in 1920, which was shortly after the conclusion of World War I in 1918. The War had a profound impact on the world and on the collective consciousness of the time, and it is likely that the events of the War influenced the theme of the poem in several ways.

First, the War was characterized by its destructive power and the widespread loss of life, and the poem's theme of the end of the world can be seen as an allegory for the devastating effects of the War. The contrast between fire and ice in the poem can also be seen as a representation of the opposing forces of good and evil that were at play during the War, with fire representing the passions and emotions that led to conflict, and ice representing the coldness and cruelty that characterized the War.

Additionally, the War marked a time of great change and upheaval in the world, with the collapse of old empires and the birth of new nations. The idea of the end of the world in the poem can also be seen as a representation of the end of an era and the birth of a new world order.

Question 2. According to the poet, what do ‘ice’ and ‘fire’ symbolise? 

[CBSE QB, 2020-21]

Answer:

In Robert Frost's poem "Fire and Ice," "fire" and "ice" symbolize opposing forces or passions. Fire represents intense emotions such as desire and passion, while ice symbolizes coldness, detachment, and lack of emotion. The poem uses these symbols to represent the potential causes of the end of the world and highlights the destructive power of unchecked passion. The contrast between fire and ice serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked passion and the need for balance and moderation.

Question 3. What is the message of the poem ‘Fire and Ice’? 

[CBSE QB, 2020-21]

Answer:

The message of Robert Frost's poem "Fire and Ice" is that unchecked passion, whether it be desire or hate, can lead to destruction. The poem presents two opposing forces, "fire" and "ice," which are used to represent the two potential causes of the end of the world. The speaker reflects on the destructive power of both emotions, suggesting that the world may end due to the intense passion of fire or the intense hatred of ice.

Question 4. The tone of the speaker contrasts with the seriousness of the subject matter. Justify.

[CBSE QB, 2020-21]

Answer:

The speaker of Robert Frost's poem "Fire and Ice" uses a light-hearted tone that contrasts with the serious subject matter of the poem. The speaker presents the idea of the end of the world with a sense of humor, as though it were a matter of personal preference, whether the world will end in fire or ice. The speaker's tone is nonchalant, almost whimsical, as they consider the two opposing forces and the consequences of each.

However, despite the light-hearted tone of the speaker, the subject matter of the poem is extremely serious. The end of the world is a weighty and somber topic, one that has been the subject of speculation and contemplation for centuries. The contrast between the speaker's light-hearted tone and the serious subject matter highlights the paradox of life and the human condition, reminding us of the importance of balancing humor and levity with seriousness and contemplation.

Question 5. Evaluate the line- Some say the world will end in fire/Some say in ice- in the context of volcanic eruptions, forest fires, meteor collisions, melting ice caps etc. 

[CBSE QB, 2020-21]

Answer:

The line "Some say the world will end in fire/Some say in ice" from Robert Frost's poem "Fire and Ice" can be evaluated in the context of various natural disasters and environmental events, such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires, meteor collisions, and melting ice caps. This line highlights the idea that there are many different opinions and interpretations of the potential causes of the end of the world.

Volcanic eruptions and forest fires can be seen as representing the "fire" mentioned in the line, as they are destructive events that can cause widespread damage and loss of life. Similarly, meteor collisions and melting ice caps can be seen as representing the "ice" mentioned in the line, as they too have the potential to bring about the end of the world through their destructive power.

The line thus highlights the idea that there are many different forces and events that have the potential to bring about the end of the world. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of our planet and the importance of taking care of the environment to prevent potential disasters.

Question 6. Fire and Ice projects a pessimistic outlook. Comment. 

[CBSE QB, 2020-21]

Answer:

Yes, "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost projects a pessimistic outlook, as it suggests that the world may end due to the unchecked passions of desire or hate. The poem presents two opposing forces, "fire" and "ice," both of which have the potential to bring about the end of the world through their destructive power.

The poem reflects the idea that unchecked passion, whether it be the heat of desire or the coldness of hate, can lead to destruction. The speaker of the poem does not offer any hope for the future, but instead warns of the dangers of unchecked passion and the need for balance and caution in our emotions and actions.

In this way, "Fire and Ice" presents a bleak and pessimistic outlook on the future, highlighting the dangers of unchecked passion and the need for balance and control in our lives. The poem serves as a warning against the dangers of extremism and a reminder of the importance of moderation in all things.

Question 7. The use of symbolism in the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ conveys the poet’s message effectively. Expand with reference to the poem. 

[CBSE QB, 2020-21]

Answer:

The use of symbolism in Robert Frost's poem "Fire and Ice" is a key element in conveying the poet's message effectively. The two opposing forces of "fire" and "ice" are used to symbolize two different forms of unchecked passion: desire and hate.

The "fire" symbolizes desire and its destructive power when left unchecked. The speaker of the poem suggests that the world may end due to the unchecked desire for pleasure and satisfaction, represented by the fire.

On the other hand, the "ice" symbolizes hate and its destructive power when left unchecked. The speaker suggests that the world may also end due to the unchecked hatred and coldness that can lead to conflict and destruction, represented by the ice.

The contrasting symbols of "fire" and "ice" effectively convey the poet's message of the dangers of unchecked passion and the need for balance and control in our lives. The poem highlights the idea that both desire and hate have the potential to bring about the end of the world through their destructive power.

Question 8. Most of your classmates, like Frost, feel that man’s greed and rage or hate, would lead the world to its destruction. You feel that the ‘fire and ice’ in Mankind can be addressed to create a harmonious world. Write a speech, for your classmates, expressing your belief/s with respect to the poem. 

[CBSE QB, 2020-21]

Answer:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, I would like to express my belief with respect to the poem "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost. This poem is a classic representation of the dangers of unchecked passion and the need for balance and control in our lives.

The poem presents two opposing forces, "fire" and "ice," both of which have the potential to bring about the end of the world through their destructive power. The "fire" symbolizes desire, while the "ice" symbolizes hate. The speaker of the poem suggests that the world may end due to the unchecked desire for pleasure and satisfaction, or the unchecked hatred and coldness that can lead to conflict and destruction.

In my belief, this poem serves as a warning against the dangers of extremism and a reminder of the importance of moderation in all things. It highlights the idea that both desire and hate have the potential to bring about the end of the world through their destructive power, and emphasizes the need for balance and control in our lives.

Unchecked passion can lead to destruction and bring chaos to our world. Whether it is the heat of desire or the coldness of hate, both have the power to cause harm and bring about the end of the world. We need to be mindful of the passions that drive us and keep them in check, ensuring that they do not become destructive forces in our lives.

In conclusion, "Fire and Ice" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that highlights the dangers of unchecked passion and the need for balance and control in our lives. I hope that its message will inspire us all to be mindful of our passions and to strive for balance and control in all aspects of our lives.

Thank you.

Question 9. How can Frost’s poem ‘Fire and Ice’ be read as an extended metaphor? 

Answer:

"Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost can be read as an extended metaphor, where the two opposing forces of fire and ice symbolize different aspects of human behavior. The fire symbolizes desire, passion, and the heat of emotions, while the ice symbolizes hate, indifference, and coldness of emotions. The poem presents these two forces as two opposite sides of the same coin, and suggests that both have the potential to bring about the end of the world.

In the extended metaphor, the poem is not only about the end of the world, but also about the consequences of uncontrolled passions and emotions in human life. The poem presents a warning against the dangers of extremism and a reminder of the importance of moderation in all things. The poem suggests that both desire and hate have the power to bring about the end of the world, and that we need to be mindful of the passions that drive us and keep them in check, ensuring that they do not become destructive forces in our lives.

The use of the extended metaphor in the poem effectively conveys the poet's message about the dangers of unchecked passion and the need for balance and control in our lives. The contrasting images of fire and ice create a vivid and memorable visual that stays with the reader, making the message of the poem even more powerful and impactful.

In conclusion, "Fire and Ice" can be read as an extended metaphor that highlights the dangers of uncontrolled passion and the need for balance and control in human life.

Class X - First Flight - Poem - Dust of Snow by Robert Frost

 

Complete Text of the Poem | Summary | Imagery Used in the Poem | Question 1 | Question 2 | Question 3 | 

Complete Text of the Poem

The way a crow

Shook down on me

The dust of snow

From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart

A change of mood

And saved some part

Of a day I had rued.

Summary

The poem written by Robert Frost describes the speaker's observation of a crow shaking snow from a hemlock tree, which leads to a change in the speaker's mood and saves a day that the speaker had previously felt negative about. The poem is simple and short, but it describes the small, unexpected moments of beauty and wonder in life that can change our perspective. The image of the crow shaking snow from a tree is a metaphor for the way in which small things can have a big impact on our emotions and outlook.

Rhyme scheme: abab

Imagery Used in the Poem

The poem uses imagery to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind of the scene being described. The imagery is simple but evocative.

The first image is of a crow shaking snow from a hemlock tree. This image is used to convey the idea of movement and action, as well as the idea of the natural world. The image of the snow being shaken from the tree is also used to convey the idea of something being released or let go.

The second image is of the dust of snow. This image is used to convey the idea of something small, delicate, and fleeting. It also creates the sense of a magical moment that is over quickly.

The third image is of the speaker's heart, which is described as having a change of mood. This image is used to convey the idea of emotion and inner experience. It also suggests that something has affected the speaker on a personal level.

The fourth image is of a day that had been rued. This image is used to convey the idea of disappointment or regret. The idea of a day being "ruined" is a metaphor for the speaker's negative emotions and outlook, which are transformed by the sight of the crow and snow.

All of these imagery work together to create a sense of the natural world and its power to affect our emotions and outlook on life.

Thinking About the Poem

Question 1.

What is a “dust of snow”? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poet’s mood changed?

Answer:

In the poem, "dust of snow" refers to small flakes of snow that have been shaken loose from a tree by a crow. The poet states that this simple action of the crow shaking down the dust of snow from a hemlock tree has given his heart a change of mood.

The poet's mood is not specifically described in the poem, but it can be inferred that it was initially negative or gloomy, as he mentions that the sight of the crow and snow has "saved some part of a day I had rued." This suggests that the sight of the crow and snow has had a positive impact on the poet's mood, lifting it from the negative state it was in before.

Therefore, the poet's mood has changed from negative or gloomy to a more positive or uplifted state after observing the crow shaking snow from a hemlock tree.

Question 2.

How does Frost present nature in this poem? The following questions may

help you to think of an answer.

(i) What are the birds that are usually named in poems? Do you think a crow is often mentioned in poems? What images come to your mind when you think of a crow?

(ii) Again, what is “a hemlock tree”? Why doesn’t the poet write about a more ‘beautiful’ tree such as a maple, or an oak, or a pine?

(iii) What do the ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent — joy or sorrow? What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for?

Answer:

In this poem, Frost presents nature as something that can have a profound impact on human emotions and outlook. He uses imagery to convey the idea that small, unexpected moments of beauty in nature can change our perspective.

A crow is not a bird that is often mentioned in poems, as it is often associated with negative connotations such as death and negativity. However, in this poem, Frost uses the image of a crow to convey the idea of movement, action, and the natural world.

The poet's choice to write about a hemlock tree rather than a more "beautiful" tree suggests that he is interested in the small, unexpected moments of beauty in nature rather than grand, striking displays.

Question 3.

Have there been times when you felt depressed or hopeless? Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?

Answer:

As human beings, we all have our down moments. I have also been depressed and depressed in the past occasionally. Sometimes due to my performance in academics and co-curricular activities, and sometimes due to friends and family. Yes, I have experienced similar moments as that of the poet, which uplifted my mood and helped me to move on with life. Beauty in nature, birds chirping or a beautiful sunset or sunrise, and sharing time with friends and family all such things have a very positive effect on my mood and make my day.

Class 10 - NCERT - First Flight - The Ball Poem - Poem - John Berryman

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.

JOHN BERRYMAN

Central Idea of the Poem

 "The Ball Poem' looks like a simple story of a young boy losing his ball. The boy is severely upset over the loss. Normally, it may seem like a great overreaction. Children lose things as their toys and balls quite often. Usually, no fuss should be made about such a small thing. But the ball seems to be symbolising the poet's childhood. The boy becoming an adult, loses his childhood. He was clinging onto his childhood for so long. The poet accepts the changes in his life. Although he is still suffering yet he is learning to move on from his fleeting childhood. The true theme of the poem is that we should cherish every moment of life. Life is really very short. The poet realises that it is very difficult to deal with the loss but it must be done. We should move on as there is no use in wasting precious time and life.

Main points of the poem:-

1. The young boy lost his ball.

2. He was playing and saw the ball bouncing down the street.

3. Then, in the end the ball fell down into the water and lost forever. 

4. The boy sees everything happening before his eyes but he is helpless. 

5. He only stands there helplessly moaning at the loss of the ball.

6. The loss of the ball may appear to be an ordinary incident.

7. It seems that boys lose such balls many times while they are playing.

8. The boy should not make a fuss over it. 

9. The loss of ball is symbolic. It has a deeper meaning.

Detailed Explanation

This poem by John Berryman is about a young boy who has lost his ball and is standing by the water staring at it. The poet describes the boy's reaction to the loss of his ball, which is one of "ultimate shaking grief" and "trembling." The boy is not just upset about losing his ball but also about the realization of the finality of possession. The poet emphasizes that balls are lost always and can't be bought back, and this is the boy's first experience with the reality of loss.

The poem also reflects the theme of growing up and learning to deal with the reality of loss and disappointment. The boy is learning, as the poet says, "The epistemology of loss" which means the theory and knowledge of loss, and how to stand up knowing what every man must one day know. The poem emphasizes that this knowledge is not something that can be bought with money, it's something internal and something that every man must learn.

The final lines of the poem, "how to stand up, knowing what every man must one day know, and most know many days, how to stand up," suggests that the loss of ball is not just a small event, but a significant part of growing up, and a necessary step in learning to deal with the inevitable losses in life.

Thinking About the Poem

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 says, "I would not intrude on him" because he recognizes that the boy is going through a personal and emotional experience and doesn't want to interrupt or disturb him. The poet is aware that the boy is standing alone, staring into the water, and feeling a deep sense of grief and loss. He doesn't want to intrude on the boy's moment of grief, and he wants to respect the boy's privacy and personal space.

The poet also doesn't offer the boy money to buy another ball because he understands that this is not a problem that can be solved with money. The loss of the ball is not just about the ball itself but about the boy's first experience with the reality of loss and the finality of possession. The poet realizes that the boy is learning a valuable lesson about life and that money cannot replace that learning experience. Offering money would not only be inadequate, but it would also trivialize the boy's emotional state. The poet wants to acknowledge the boy's emotions and the significance of this moment in his life.

Question 2. “… staring down/All his young days into the harbour where/His ball went …” Do you think the boy has had the ball for a long time? Is it linked to the memories of days when he played with it?

Answer:

The line "staring down / All his young days into the harbour where / His ball went" suggests that the boy is staring into the water for a prolonged period of time, and it implies that the loss of the ball is significant to him, but it does not specify how long he has had the ball for. The phrase "all his young days" could mean that the ball has been a part of his life for a long time and is linked to many happy memories, but it could also mean that the boy is young, and this is one of the first significant possessions he has lost in his life. The poem doesn't give us a specific time frame, but instead, it emphasizes the emotional significance of the loss to the boy.

Question 3. What does “in the world of possessions” mean?

Answer:

The phrase "in the world of possessions" refers to the idea that we live in a society where we accumulate possessions and material objects. These possessions play a significant role in our lives and are often seen as a symbol of our status, identity, and well-being. The phrase "in the world of possessions" is used to indicate that the boy is learning about the nature of material possessions and how they can be lost. The phrase emphasizes that the boy is beginning to understand that possessions are not permanent, and that he must learn to deal with the reality of loss. It implies that the boy is learning a valuable lesson about how possessions are not the most important things in life and that they can be replaced, but the emotions and memories associated with them cannot. It highlights the idea that possessions are temporary and that they are not the ultimate source of happiness.

Question 4. Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier? Pick out the words that suggest the answer.

Answer:

The poem does not delve into the boy's past experiences with loss. However, based on the words "I saw it go / Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then / Merrily over — there it is in the water!" it could imply that this is one of the first times the boy has lost something, and he is not prepared for it. The words, "An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy / As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down" suggest that the boy is experiencing a deep sense of loss and that this is the first time he's been confronted with this kind of feeling.

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 suggests that the boy is learning a valuable lesson about loss and the nature of possessions. The boy is learning the "epistemology of loss", which refers to the study of knowledge or understanding of loss. He is learning how to deal with the reality of losing something that he valued. The poet says, "He senses first responsibility / In a world of possessions" which implies that the boy is becoming aware of the fact that possessions are not permanent and can be lost. He is learning that possessions are not the most important things in life, and that they can be replaced, but the emotions and memories associated with them cannot.

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:

Loss is an inevitable part of human life, and it can take many forms, such as the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a home, the loss of a possession, and more. The sense of loss can be overwhelming and can lead to feelings of sadness, grief, and hopelessness. It can be difficult to move on from the loss and to find meaning in life again. However, it is important to understand that loss is a natural part of life, and it is possible to overcome it. One way to overcome the sense of loss is to allow yourself to feel and express your emotions. It is important to give yourself time to grieve and to process your feelings. It is also important to reach out to friends and family for support and to seek professional help if necessary. It is also important to focus on the present moment and to take small steps towards rebuilding your life. You can try to find new hobbies or activities to keep yourself occupied and to focus on the positive aspects of life. It is also important to remember that the memories and the love of the person or the thing that you lost will always remain with you. With time and patience, you will eventually learn to cope with the sense of loss and to find meaning in life again.