A POPULAR QUOTE STATES: RESPONSIBILITY IS SELF-TAUGHT. HOW DOES THE POEM ADDRESS THIS THOUGHT?
ANS: The poem addresses the fact that one must be careful about their possessions otherwise they can be lost. After losing the ball the boy will be more responsible and vigilant about his belongings to avoid losing something in future. It is our duty to take care of our possessions to keep enjoying them.
Sample Answer 1 (100 words)
In “The Ball Poem” by John Berryman, the poem addresses the thought that “responsibility is self-taught” through the experience of a young boy who loses his ball. The boy’s sense of responsibility emerges when he faces the consequences of his actions independently. As he grieves over the loss, he realizes that he must take responsibility for his possessions and actions. The poem explores the process of learning responsibility as an inherent part of growing up. It suggests that self-discovery and the acknowledgment of consequences teach individuals to be responsible for their choices, actions, and possessions, a valuable lesson for maturing and becoming accountable individuals.
Sample Answer 2 (100 words)
Answer 2 (100 words):
In “The Ball Poem,” Berryman delves into the concept that “responsibility is self-taught” by illustrating the boy’s emotional journey after losing his ball. The poem showcases how the boy’s inner struggle and his quest to retrieve the ball on his own embody the idea of self-guided responsibility. As he navigates through loss and understanding, the boy grasps the importance of being accountable for his actions and possessions. The poem’s portrayal of the boy’s independent pursuit to reclaim his ball emphasizes the notion that genuine responsibility comes from personal experiences and internal growth, making it a powerful reflection on the self-teaching nature of responsibility.