CBSE Class 10 English: Exploring 'The Ball Poem' by Walter de la Mare

CBSE Class 10 English Chapter: "The Ball Poem"

In your CBSE Class 10 English syllabus, you've likely encountered the emotive and imaginative poem, "The Ball." This brief narrative, penned by Walter de la Mare in 1925, explores the theme of loss through the symbolic representation of a lost ball. In this article, we'll delve into the poetic devices employed in this poem and how they contribute to its captivating narrative.

Setting the Scene

"The Ball" starts with a young boy whose "ball had gone astray". The action takes place in the countryside, where the boy sets out to find his lost ball, as evidenced by visual clues and verbs like "tall hedge," "meadow" and "hunting".

Personification

Personification is a technique where non-human objects are given human attributes or behaviors. In "The Ball," the ball itself is said to "sit down" under the hedge. By doing so, de la Mare humanizes the ball and creates a sense of character within the poem.

Imagery

Imagery refers to the use of sensory details to create vivid mental pictures. In "The Ball," the vivid descriptions of the natural environment and the boy's interactions with it play a significant role. For example, the line "a little mouse had crept inside the ball" creates an image of a small creature cohabitating with the ball, adding depth to the scene.

Metaphor

Metaphors are comparisons between two unlike things without using "like" or "as." In "The Ball," the boy's ball is compared to the sun when it reads, "the ball lay like a great sun". This metaphor allows the reader to make connections between the ball and the sun, perhaps suggesting the ball's importance or significance in the boy's life.

Use of Repetition

Repetition is the deliberate reuse of words, phrases or sounds within a work. In "The Ball," repeated use of the word "ball" throughout the poem creates a sense of consistency and focus. For instance, the line "I want my ball" is repeated, emphasizing the boy's desire to retrieve it.

Symbolism

Symbolism is where objects, characters or actions represent something beyond their literal meaning. In "The Ball," the ball itself can be interpreted as a symbol of the boy's innocence, youth or sense of self. When the ball is eventually found, it's no longer new or perfect, hinting at the boy's growing up and the imminent changes that come with age.

In conclusion, "The Ball" is a short and powerful poem that explores themes of loss and growth through deft use of poetic devices. By studying these techniques, you'll be better able to appreciate the nuances and subtleties of de la Mare's work, and you'll develop a deeper understanding of poetry's ability to convey complex emotions and ideas.