What does 'ball' symbolises? (The Ball Poem - First Flight)

Dear Student,

Here is the answer;

In 'The Ball Poem', the poet John Berryman talks about the affinity that the little boy has for the ball he has just been playing with. When he loses the ball, it triggers fear, pain and grief in him. To the young boy, it is 'the ball' that was dear to him. No other ball could have taken its place.

The ball symbolises a life. Thus when someone loses his dear ones he remembers the time he had spent with them. No one else can take their place. Thus the poet advises the boy that in life he will face many losses but he should not lose heart but be hopeful that something better will come his way. With the loss of this ball, the boy is learning the lesson of responsibility. The poem gives us the message that one should face the days ahead with courage and determination.

Regards

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