Question

Read the given extract and answer the questions:

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.

1. Comment on the portrayal of the character of the boy in the given extract. 2
2. Complete the following suitably: 1
   “Money is external” implies that the boy ______.
   1. values material possessions.
   2. learns the money cannot restore what is lost.
   3. believes money is the solution to all problems.
   4. is indifferent to material wealth.
3. What does the poet mean by the phrase, ‘epistemology of loss’? 1
4. What kind of atmosphere is created through these lines? 1
   Select the correct option.
   1. reflection
   2. intrigue
   3. acceptance
   4. anger
   5. fear
      1. 1, 4 and 5
      2. Only 2
      3. 1 and 3
      4. 4 and 5

Answer 1

1. The boy is shown as deeply grief‑struck and stunned “rigid, trembling, staring down” indicating an intense, personal sorrow over the loss. He is also beginning to feel adult responsibility: he learns that possessions can be taken and that loss must be endured, a first lesson in growing up.
2. “Money is external” implies that the boy learns the money cannot restore what is lost.
3. It means the boy’s learning or gaining knowledge about the nature of loss understanding what it is to lose something and how to stand up and cope with that experience.
4. Reflection and acceptance