First Flight (Poem): The Ball Poem

Topics in this chapter

• The Boy’s Emotional Response
• Growing Up Through Loss
• Money and Emotional Value
• Symbolism and Central Themes
• Poetic Devices and Imagery
• Poet’s Purpose and Life Lessons
• Textual Understanding and Vocabulary

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-7C550C

   What does the boy lose in the water in 'The Ball Poem'?

   1. A.His favorite toy car
   2. B.His ball
   3. C.A silver coin
   4. D.His pet puppy
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-15C894

   Why does the poet decide not to intrude on the boy or offer him money to buy another ball?

   1. A.Because the poet does not have any money with him
   2. B.Because another ball is worthless and he must learn responsibility
   3. C.Because the boy's parents told him not to accept gifts from strangers
   4. D.Because the boy is crying too loudly to be comforted
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-6383D8

   What deeper philosophical meaning does the loss of the ball represent in the poem?

   1. A.The inevitable loss of childhood innocence and material attachments in life
   2. B.The carelessness of children playing near deep water bodies
   3. C.The failure of modern society to protect children's toys
   4. D.The importance of saving money for future emergencies
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-AE4971

   Which phrase in the poem describes the ultimate destination of the lost ball?

   1. A.Merrily bouncing, down the street
   2. B.No use to say 'O there are other balls'
   3. C.Merry bell, who is buying a ball
   4. D.Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then / Merry is over, the ball is gone
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-670B9D

   How does the boy react immediately after losing his ball into the harbor?

   1. A.He immediately runs away to buy a new one
   2. B.He laughs it off and continues playing
   3. C.He stands rigid, trembling, and staring down the harbor in grief
   4. D.He asks the poet for help to retrieve it
   See the answer and solution