Question

Read the following extract and answer the questions:

What, 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’. (The Ball Poem by John Berryman)

1. What does the repetition of the word “merrily” suggest in the context of the ball’s movement? 1
2. How does this moment contrast the mood of the poem before and after the ball falls into the water? (Answer in about 40 words) 2
3. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket: 1
   The poet uses the ball as a symbol of the boy’s ______. (childhood/adventure)
4. The line, ‘No use to say, oh there are other balls’ signifies: 1
   1. Words of consolation are inappropriate.
   2. The boy must be left alone and play with other toys.
   3. The boy should not be left alone.
   4. No ball will be as expensive as the one the boy has lost.

Answer 1

1. The repetition of the word “merrily” suggests the ball’s carefree, lively and joyful movement before it falls into the water.
2. Before the ball falls into the water, the mood is light and cheerful as it moves “merrily” down the street. After it falls, the mood becomes serious and sorrowful as the boy experiences loss and begins to understand the pain of losing something dear.
3. The poet uses the ball as a symbol of the boy’s childhood. 
4. Words of consolation are inappropriate.