“Try Again”: Poem Explanation|Questions & Answers | Summary | Word-Meanings |Class VII

King Bruce

When failure strikes, even a tiny spider can become a teacher. Discover how King Bruce of Scotland learns the greatest lesson in courage from the most unexpected place—nature itself!

Lesson Architecture

Poet Introduction Theme Summary Word-Meanings with Examples Stanza-Wise Explanation & Translation of the Poem

NCERT Solution Competency-Based Questions ( CBQs)

Poet Introduction:

Eliza Cook (1818–1889) was a popular English poet and journalist best known for her simple, heartfelt, and moralistic poetry. She came from a humble background and was largely self-educated.

Cook began writing poetry at a young age, and her works often focused on themes of perseverance, patriotism, and moral strength.

Her most famous work, Eliza Cook’s Journal, offered not just literary works but also voiced social reforms. “Try Again,” though sometimes misattributed, reflects the motivational tone she often embraced.

Her poetry inspired readers of all ages to uphold moral courage, resilience, and the value of continuous effort.

Theme:

The central theme of the poem “Try Again” is perseverance in the face of repeated failure. The poet conveys the timeless message that success does not come easily, but through continuous effort and the courage to keep trying. King Bruce of Scotland becomes the symbol of human despair after multiple failed attempts to lead his nation successfully.

In a moment of hopelessness, he witnesses a spider trying to reach its cobweb home despite falling repeatedly.

The spider’s resilience, seen in its nine failed attempts and eventual success, inspires the king to try once more. The poet uses this small but powerful example from nature to reinforce that failure is not defeat unless one gives up. Persistence is glorified as a noble and victorious virtue.

The poem encourages readers to embrace failures as stepping stones to success and reminds them that effort, not defeat, defines a person’s strength.

In a broader sense, the poem uplifts the human spirit and offers a lesson in courage, patience, and the indomitable will to succeed. It shows that inspiration can come from the smallest creatures and that strength lies in not giving up, regardless of how many times one falls.

Spider trying to climb up the web

Summary:

The poem Try Again by Eliza Cook delivers a powerful message about persistence and resilience through the story of King Bruce of Scotland. The poem opens with the king in a despondent state, feeling discouraged and hopeless after several failed attempts to accomplish a noble deed for the welfare of his people. Despite being a monarch, his failures weigh heavily on him, and he contemplates giving up entirely.

Just then, he notices a spider trying to climb up to its web on the ceiling. The spider repeatedly fails, falling back each time. However, it doesn’t stop. With every fall, it starts climbing again with renewed determination. The king watches as the spider tries not once or twice, but nine times—and fails each time. He expects the spider to finally give up.

To his astonishment, on the tenth attempt, the spider moves carefully, steadily inching higher, and finally reaches its web. This moment of triumph inspires the king. He realizes that perseverance, not position or power, is the key to success. If a tiny spider can overcome repeated failure and reach its goal, so can he.

The poem concludes by stating that King Bruce indeed tried again and did not fail. Through this simple but symbolic tale, the poet instills the value of never giving up. Eliza Cook emphasizes that success is possible for those who keep trying despite hardships, making the poem an enduring lesson in courage, determination, and hope.

Stanza-Wise Summary | Poem Explanation

Stanza 1

King Bruce of Scotland flung himself down

In a lonely mood to think;

‘Tis true he was monarch, and wore a crown,

But his heart was beginning to sink.

Explanation: King Bruce, although a powerful monarch of Scotland, is deeply troubled and sits alone, overwhelmed with worry. Despite his royal status, he feels discouraged and disheartened. This stanza sets the mood, showing that even kings face moments of sadness and defeat.

Stanza 2

For he had been trying to do a great deed,

To make his people glad;

He had tried and tried, but couldn’t succeed

And so he became quite sad.

Explanation:

The king was attempting a great task — likely winning a battle or freeing his people — but despite repeated efforts, he failed. His inability to succeed in his noble goal has led him into deep sorrow.

Stanza 3

He flung himself down in low despair,

As grieved as man could be;

And after a while he pondered there,

“I’ll give it all up,” said he.

Explanation:

King Bruce is in a state of deep hopelessness. He is grieving over his failures and, after reflecting for a while, even considers giving up entirely. The stanza highlights a low point in his emotional journey.

Stanza 4

Now just at that moment a spider dropped,

With its silken, filmy clue;

And the King, in the midst of his thinking, stopped

To see what the spider would do.

Explanation:

At this very moment of despair, Bruce notices a spider coming down on a thin silken thread. Curious and perhaps seeking distraction, he pauses his gloomy thoughts to observe the spider’s actions closely.

Stanza 5

‘Twas a long way up to the ceiling dome,

And it hung by a rope so fine;

That how it would get to its cobweb home,

King Bruce could not divine.

Explanation:

The ceiling is high, and the spider’s thread looks fragile. Bruce wonders how the tiny spider could possibly climb back up to its web — he can't imagine how it will succeed. This reflects his own inner doubts.

Stanza 6

It soon began to cling and crawl

Straight up with strong endeavour;

But down it came with a slippery sprawl,

As near to the ground as ever.

Explanation:

The spider makes an effort and starts climbing upward with determination, but it slips and falls down again. Its failure mirrors the king’s situation — trying hard, but falling back.

Stanza 7

Up, up it ran, not a second to stay,

To utter the least complaint;

Till it fell still lower, and there it lay,

A little dizzy and faint.

Explanation:

Despite falling, the spider doesn't waste time lamenting. It gets back to the task right away. However, after another attempt, it falls even lower and seems tired — just like humans feel after multiple failures.

Stanza 8

Its head grew steady — again it went,

And travelled a half-yard higher;‘

Twas a delicate thread it had to tread, And a road where its feet would tire.

Explanation:The spider regains its balance and makes another brave attempt, managing to climb slightly higher. It’s moving on a fine, fragile thread that demands great effort, showing its patience and persistence.

Stanza 9

Again it fell and swung below,

But again it quickly mounted;

Till up and down, now fast, now slow,

Nine brave attempts were counted.

Explanation: The spider keeps falling and climbing repeatedly. Despite these setbacks, it never gives up. It has now made nine sincere attempts — a clear sign of unwavering courage and endurance.

Stanza 10

“Sure,” cried the King, “that foolish thing

Will strive no more to climb;

When it toils so hard to reach and cling,

And tumbles every time.”

Explanation:

King Bruce, watching the spider’s struggle, begins to doubt its perseverance. He assumes that the spider, after repeated failures, will finally quit. His thoughts reflect his own past struggles and fears of giving up.

Stanza 11

But up the insect went once more,

Ah me! ‘tis an anxious minute;

He’s only a foot from his cobweb door,

Oh say, will he lose or win it?

Explanation:

The spider tries again — the tension builds as it is now very close to its goal. The king, watching intently, wonders whether it will succeed this time or fall again. This creates suspense.

Stanza 12

Steadily, steadily, inch by inch,

Higher and higher he got;

And a bold little run at the very last pinch

Put him into his native cot.

Explanation:

With steady and careful effort, the spider climbs inch by inch. Then, with a final burst of courage, it reaches its web at the top. This moment marks the triumph of persistence over failure.

Stanza 13

“Bravo, bravo!” the King cried out,

“All honour to those who try;

The spider up there, defied despair;

He conquered, and why shouldn’t I?”

Explanation:

Inspired by the spider’s determination and success, the King cheers. He realizes that perseverance leads to victory and decides to apply the same lesson to his own life. If the spider can succeed, so can he.

Stanza 14

And Bruce of Scotland braced his mind,

And gossips tell the tale,

That he tried once more as he tried before,

And that time did not fail.

Explanation:

King Bruce gathers his strength and resolve. According to legend, he tries once again to free his kingdom — and this time, he succeeds. His story becomes a symbol of courage and never giving up.

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Word-Meanings with Sentences

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Flung	Threw forcefully	He flung himself on the bed in frustration.
Deed	Action or task	He attempted a great deed to help his people.
Despair	Complete loss of hope	He sat in deep despair after failing repeatedly.
Pondered	Thought deeply	She pondered over the decision before replying.
Clue	Thread or string	The spider dropped with a silken, filmy clue.
Divine	Understand or guess	The King could not divine how the spider would climb.
Sprawl	Fall or spread awkwardly	The spider came down with a slippery sprawl.
Dainty	Delicate and fine	The spider walked on a dainty thread.
Inch by inch	Slowly and gradually	The spider climbed inch by inch to its web.
Conquered	Won or succeeded	He conquered his fears and tried again.

Translation in English & Hindi

Stanza	English Explanation	Hindi Explanation
1	King Bruce is sad and frustrated despite being a king because he has failed many times.	स्कॉटलैंड के राजा ब्रूस बहुत दुखी और निराश हैं क्योंकि उन्होंने कई बार कोशिश की लेकिन सफल नहीं हुए।
2	He tried to do something great for his people but kept failing, making him lose hope.	उन्होंने अपने लोगों के लिए कुछ महान करने की कोशिश की, लेकिन बार-बार असफल हुए, जिससे वे निराश हो गए।
3	Sitting in despair, he decides to give up.	निराशा में बैठकर वह हार मानने का निर्णय लेता है।
4	At that moment, a spider drops down and the King watches it curiously.	उसी समय, एक मकड़ी नीचे गिरती है और राजा उसे जिज्ञासा से देखता है।
5	The spider tries to climb up a thread but falls.	मकड़ी एक धागे से ऊपर चढ़ने की कोशिश करती है लेकिन गिर जाती है।
6	The spider keeps trying without complaining, though it keeps falling.	मकड़ी बिना शिकायत किए बार-बार गिरने के बावजूद कोशिश करती रहती है।
7	It manages to climb a little higher each time.	वह हर बार थोड़ा-थोड़ा ऊपर चढ़ने में सफल होती है।
8	Even after nine falls, it continues to try.	नौ बार गिरने के बाद भी वह कोशिश करना बंद नहीं करती।
9	The King thinks the spider will stop trying.	राजा सोचता है कि अब मकड़ी हार मान लेगी।
10	The spider makes a final attempt to reach its web.	मकड़ी अपनी जाले तक पहुँचने की आखिरी कोशिश करती है।
11	The spider finally succeeds, reaching its web.	अंततः मकड़ी सफल हो जाती है और अपने जाले तक पहुँच जाती है।
12	The King is inspired and praises the spider’s effort.	राजा प्रेरित होता है और मकड़ी की कोशिश की सराहना करता है।
13	He decides to try again and finally succeeds in his mission.	वह फिर से कोशिश करता है और अंततः अपने मिशन में सफल हो जाता है।

NCERT Solution

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