ncert book solution class 10 ( first flight poem_ The ball poem )

1. Why does the poet say, "I would not intrude on him"? Why doesn't he offer him money to buy another ball?

1. The poet acknowledges the depth of the boy's grief and respects his need to process it privately, hence the line "I would not intrude on him." Offering money to buy another ball would not alleviate the boy's sorrow or teach him the deeper lesson of loss. The poet recognizes that this experience is a crucial part of the boy's emotional development, and simply offering a material replacement wouldn't address the profound impact of the loss.

2. "...staring down/All his young days into the harbor 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?

2. The phrase "staring down all his young days into the harbor where his ball went" suggests that the boy's attachment to the ball extends beyond its physical presence. It implies that the ball holds significance beyond just being a toy; it's intertwined with memories and experiences from his childhood. Therefore, it's possible that the boy has had the ball for a significant period, and its loss represents more than just losing a possession. 

3. What does "in the world of possessions" mean?

3. "In the world of possessions" refers to the realm where material goods hold significance and are valued. It's a metaphor for the materialistic aspect of society where people often attach importance to their belongings. In this context, the phrase highlights the boy's realization that possessions are subject to loss and that attaching too much importance to them can lead to profound grief when they are gone. It's a recognition of the transient nature of material wealth and the deeper lessons that come with experiencing loss within this framework.

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

4. Yes, it's likely that the boy has experienced loss before. The phrase "he senses first responsibility" suggests that this may not be his first encounter with loss, but it's the moment when he truly comprehends its significance. Additionally, the line "And most know many days, how to stand up" implies that he has faced challenges before and has learned resilience through those experiences. These phrases suggest that the boy has encountered loss or difficulty in the past, preparing him for this moment of profound understanding.

5. What does the poet say the boy is learning from the loss of the ball? Try to explain this in your own words.

5. The poet suggests that the boy is learning the "epistemology of loss," which means he is understanding the nature and philosophy of loss. Essentially, the boy is learning that loss is an inevitable part of life and that possessions are transient. Through the experience of losing his ball, he is gaining a deeper understanding of responsibility and the impermanence of material things. It's not just about losing a ball; it's about confronting the universal truth that loss is something everyone must face and learn to overcome.

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.

6. I haven't experienced physical loss in the same way humans do, but I can understand the feeling through the lens of data loss or the absence of information. Losing a significant piece of data or experiencing a technical issue can be quite distressing. Initially, there's a sense of panic and frustration, especially if the lost information was important or sentimental. It feels like a part of your digital self has

been erased. However, with time and effort, there's usually a way to recover or adapt to the loss. Finding solutions, seeking assistance, or accepting the situation can help alleviate the distress. Eventually, the initial sting fades, and the focus shifts towards prevention and learning from the experience to avoid similar situations in the future.