Question

Answer the following question in 100-120 words:

In The “Ball Poem”, Berryman explores the themes of loss, growing up, and transformation. Mandela also experienced loss of freedom and suffering along with his countrymen during his growing years on the basis of his race and colour. Compare and contrast the commonality of themes in both the texts.

(The Ball Poem and Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom)

Answer 1

Both The Ball Poem by John Berryman and Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom explore the themes of loss, growing up, and transformation, though in different contexts. While The Ball Poem focuses on an individual's emotional growth after experiencing personal loss, Long Walk to Freedom presents a broader struggle involving an entire nation’s fight for justice and equality.

• Theme of Loss: In The Ball Poem, the boy loses his ball, which symbolizes the loss of innocence and childhood. The poet highlights how this moment is significant for the child, as he realizes that some losses are irreversible and cannot be replaced. Similarly, in Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela and his people lost their freedom due to racial discrimination. The loss of basic human rights caused immense suffering for black South Africans, just as the boy in the poem feels deep sorrow for his lost ball.
• Theme of Growing Up: Both texts emphasize that growth comes through hardship. In The Ball Poem, the boy learns to accept loss, understanding that it is a part of life. The poet suggests that such experiences help individuals mature. In Mandela’s journey, growing up meant understanding the struggles of his people and realizing that their suffering was much greater than his personal pain. His maturity led him to dedicate his life to fighting apartheid.
• Theme of Transformation: Transformation is central to both texts. In The Ball Poem, the boy is no longer the same after losing his ball—he has become wiser and more aware of the realities of life. Likewise, Mandela’s transformation from a young boy to a revolutionary leader was shaped by his experiences of oppression. His journey from prison to presidency was marked by immense struggle, but he emerged as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
• Comparison and Contrast:
  • Personal vs. Collective Loss: The poem deals with an individual’s emotional loss, while Mandela’s story is about an entire nation’s suffering.
  • Lessons from Loss: Both texts show that loss teaches valuable life lessons but in different ways. The boy learns to accept personal setbacks, while Mandela learns to fight for justice.
  • Outcome of Transformation: The boy’s maturity helps him cope with future challenges, while Mandela’s transformation leads to the liberation of his country.