Try Again is a chapter in the CBSE Class 7 English syllabus from Poorvi. This chapter hub brings together revision notes, practice questions, worksheets, flashcards to help students learn, practice, and revise Try Again effectively.

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Try Again

NCERT Class 7 English Chapter 2: Try Again (Pages 16–27)

By Eliza CookClass 7 CBSE hub English chapters Poorvi

Summary of Try Again

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Try Again at a Glance

Board

CBSE

Class

Class 7

Subject

English

Book

Poorvi

Chapter

Pages

16–27

Resources

4 study resources

Try Again Summary

In this chapter, we explore the narrative poem about King Bruce of Scotland, who is feeling hopeless after facing multiple failures in his efforts to make his people happy. One day, in his moment of despair, he observes a spider attempting to climb back to its web. The spider's determination inspires him as it falls and climbs repeatedly, showing great effort without losing hope. The spider makes nine attempts, each time getting closer to its web, symbolizing the struggle against adversity. King Bruce recognizes the spider's resilience and realizes that he too can succeed if he perseveres. The poem emphasizes that everyone encounters challenges and failures, but like the spider, we must keep trying until we overcome them. The main idea conveys a powerful message: failure is a part of the journey to success. It encourages readers to find strength in adversity and to honor those who try, no matter how many times they fall. Ultimately, King Bruce learns to face his own challenges anew, inspired by the spider's unyielding spirit. The chapter illustrates the theme of perseverance and serves as a reminder that every attempt counts towards achieving our goals.

Try Again Revision Guide

Download the Try Again revision guide with key points, summaries, and quick revision notes for CBSE Class 7 English.

Key Points

A king in despair

King Bruce of Scotland begins in a lonely mood because repeated efforts toward a great deed have failed.

Public power, private pain

Although Bruce is a monarch who wears a crown, his heart is sinking, showing that status does not remove emotional struggle.

A goal for his people

Bruce wants to achieve something great that will make his people glad, so his failure feels serious and personal.

Repeated effort before defeat

The words "tried and tried" show that Bruce has already worked hard before reaching the point of discouragement.

The opening mood

Words such as lonely, sad, grieved, and low despair create a gloomy mood at the start.

Physical sign of sadness

Bruce flings himself down, allowing readers to see his inner despair through his posture.

The thought of quitting

When Bruce says he will give it all up, he is ready to abandon his larger effort.

The spider's arrival

A spider drops on a silken, filmy thread exactly when Bruce is considering surrender.

A difficult destination

The spider's cobweb home is high near the ceiling dome, while its thread is fine and delicate.

Strong endeavour

The spider begins by clinging and crawling upward with determined effort.

The first setbacks

It slips back near the ground, rises again, and falls still lower, showing that progress is not smooth.

Strain and recovery

The spider becomes dizzy and faint, then steadies its head before making another attempt.

Gradual progress

On a later attempt, the spider travels a half-yard higher, proving that renewed effort can produce partial gains.

Nine brave attempts

The poem counts nine climbs and falls, making the spider's persistence concrete and memorable.

Bruce expects surrender

Because he is discouraged by his own failures, Bruce assumes the spider will stop trying.

The final attempt

The spider goes up once more even after Bruce predicts that it will quit.

Suspense near the goal

When the spider is only a foot from its web, Bruce and the reader still do not know whether it will win or lose.

Steady movement

The phrase "steadily, steadily, inch by inch" highlights careful progress through small steps.

A bold finish

A final bold run carries the spider into its cobweb home.

Bruce's praise

His cry of "Bravo" expresses admiration and marks the end of his hopeless mood.

Honour in trying

Bruce declares that those who keep trying deserve respect.

A lesson applied

He connects the spider's struggle with his own and asks why he should not also conquer despair.

Mind before action

Bruce braces his mind, showing that renewed effort begins with mental preparation.

A changed ending

He tries once more and this time does not fail, completing the movement from despair to success.

Central idea

The poem teaches that failure need not be final when a person recovers and continues purposeful effort.

Metaphorical link

The spider's climb mirrors Bruce's struggle because both involve repeated setbacks, persistence, and a goal.

Sound and emphasis

Repetition in "tried and tried," "up, up," and "steadily, steadily" reinforces effort and movement.

Poetic form

The lesson identifies an ABAB rhyme scheme, uses contractions such as 'twas and 'tis for rhythm, and treats "Bravo" as an interjection.

Try Again Practice Questions & Answers

Practice important questions and exam-style problems from Try Again. These questions cover key topics from the CBSE Class 7 English syllabus.

How to practice: Start with the questions below to test your understanding of Try Again. Use the revision guide to review concepts you find difficult, then come back and retry the questions for better retention.

What is King Bruce's initial mood in the poem?

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What does the spider symbolize in the poem?

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How many attempts does the spider make to reach its web?

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What causes King Bruce to change his perspective on failure?

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What does King Bruce declare after watching the spider?

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Which line indicates King Bruce's despair before he sees the spider?

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What does the phrase 'steadily, steadily' emphasize about the spider's action?

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In the poem, which word describes King Bruce's initial reaction towards the spider?

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What lesson does King Bruce learn from the spider?

What does the repeated use of 'tried and tried' convey in the poem?

How does the poem suggest that failures can be perceived?

What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?

What does the last line of the poem signify?

Which phrase suggests the spider's frailty?

Why does the poet describe the spider in great detail?

What feeling did King Bruce experience after his failed attempts?

What did King Bruce see that inspired him to try again?

What is the primary lesson King Bruce learns from the spider?

What does the King plan to do differently after observing the spider?

What emotion does King Bruce initially feel in the poem?

How does the poet depict King Bruce's initial mood?

What lesson does King Bruce take from observing the spider?

What literary device is used in the phrase 'steadily, steadily'?

What does the phrase 'tries and tries' imply in the context of the poem?

Why does the author describe the spider's actions in detail?

What does the spider's struggle symbolize in the poem?

What does the phrase 'Ah me!' convey in the context?

Which literary device is primarily used when describing the spider's actions?

How does King Bruce's perspective change throughout the poem?

Which of the following best describes King Bruce's change in attitude?

What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?

What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?

Which of the following words is an example of a contraction used in the poem?

What does the word 'strive' mean in the context of the poem?

Why does the poet repeat 'tried and tried' in the poem?

Why does the poet repeat the phrases like 'up, up'?

What common misconception does the poem address about failure?

What does the spider eventually achieve?

What is the significance of the spider’s journey in the poem?

What quality does the spider exhibit through its actions?

The phrase 'Ah me!' indicates which of the following emotions?

Which of the following best describes the central message of the poem?

What does King Bruce resolve to do after witnessing the spider?

What does the spider represent in the poem?

In the line 'the world is a stage', what is the metaphor implying?

What does King Bruce compare his struggles to?

Which of these lines contains a metaphor?

Why does King Bruce feel inspired after watching the spider?

What does the spider's repeated attempts to reach its web symbolize in the poem?

What metaphorical comparison does the poet make about the spider's thread?

Which phrase in the poem illustrates King Bruce's emotional state?

In the context of the poem, what does 'climb' signify metaphorically?

Why did King Bruce feel like giving up after multiple failures?

Which line shows a metaphor about King Bruce's emotional state?

What does the phrase 'low despair' imply about Bruce's feelings?

What does King Bruce learn from the spider?

In what way does the poem convey the theme of perseverance?

Identify the metaphor in this phrase: 'Her smile was a ray of sunshine.'

Which of the following metaphors is used to describe King Bruce's efforts?

Which statement reflects a common misconception about metaphors?

Which literary device is primarily used when comparing the spider's actions to King Bruce's efforts?

What does the phrase 'clinging and crawling' imply in the poem?

What lesson can be learned from King Bruce's experience in the poem?

How does the poem personify the spider?

How does the poet enhance the theme of perseverance through imagery?

Which of the following best captures the essence of the poem's message?

What is the primary emotional state expressed by Bruce during his struggles?

Which action signifies Bruce's eventual decision to continue trying?

What aspect of the spider's character reflects the poem's theme?

What does the choice to depict King Bruce as a monarch suggest about perseverance?

How does the imagery of 'silken, filmy clue' contribute to the overall theme?

What does the concept of 'pondering' reflect about a person's mindset in the face of failure?

Single Answer MCQ

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Try Again Practice Worksheets

Download and practice Try Again worksheets to improve problem-solving accuracy and speed for CBSE Class 7 English exams.

Questions

Why is King Bruce unhappy at the beginning of the poem?

King Bruce is unhappy because he has tried repeatedly to complete a great deed for his people but has not succeeded. The failures weaken his confidence and make his heart sink.

Explain the contrast between Bruce's crown and his sinking heart.

The crown shows that Bruce is a powerful monarch, while his sinking heart shows private discouragement. The contrast reveals that even a king can feel defeated by repeated failure.

How does the first part of the poem create a gloomy mood?

The lonely setting, words such as sad, grieved, and low despair, and Bruce's action of flinging himself down create a gloomy mood. His statement that he will give up makes the hopelessness stronger.

What does the phrase "He flung himself down" reveal about Bruce?

The phrase shows that Bruce's disappointment is intense enough to affect his body. His collapsed posture becomes a physical expression of exhaustion and despair.

Why is the spider introduced just when Bruce decides to give up?

The spider appears at the lowest point of Bruce's despair, so its struggle can become a turning point. Watching it gives Bruce a new way to think about repeated failure.

Describe the difficulty of the spider's journey to its web.

The web is high near the ceiling, while the spider hangs from a fine and delicate thread. It repeatedly slips, falls, becomes tired, and must regain its balance before climbing again.

How does the spider respond after its early falls?

After falling, the spider does not complain or abandon its goal. It begins climbing again, and even after becoming dizzy and faint, it steadies itself and resumes the effort.

Why are the nine attempts described as brave?

They are brave because each new climb comes after another fall. The spider continues despite tiredness, uncertainty, and the possibility of failing again.

How does the poet build suspense during the spider's final attempt?

The spider is only a foot from its web, but success is still uncertain. The anxious question about whether it will lose or win and the slow movement inch by inch keep readers waiting for the result.

Explain the importance of the phrase "steadily, steadily, inch by inch."

The phrase shows slow, controlled progress during the final climb. Its repetition also supports the theme that difficult goals may be reached through consistent small steps.

What finally enables the spider to reach its web?

The spider first advances steadily and carefully. At the last difficult moment, a bold little run completes the journey and puts it into its cobweb home.

How does Bruce's attitude toward the spider change?

Bruce first calls the spider foolish and expects it to stop. As it nears the web, he becomes anxious about its result, and after it succeeds he praises it with "Bravo" and honours those who try.

What does Bruce learn from the spider's success?

Bruce learns that repeated failure does not make success impossible. Since the spider conquers its difficult climb by trying again, he believes he can also renew his own effort.

Explain the meaning of "Bruce of Scotland braced his mind."

The phrase means that Bruce mentally prepares himself for another difficult attempt. He strengthens his determination instead of allowing despair to control him.

Trace Bruce's emotional journey through the poem.

Bruce begins in sadness and low despair, moves to curiosity while watching the spider, then feels suspense and admiration. Finally, he regains hope, prepares his mind, and tries again successfully.

How is the spider a source of inspiration despite being a small creature?

The spider does not advise Bruce with words; its actions prove the value of persistence. Its small size makes the lesson stronger because a tiny creature becomes a model for a powerful king.

Explain how failure becomes a stepping stone to success in the poem.

The spider's falls do not end the climb; each is followed by recovery and another attempt. Bruce also turns earlier failure into motivation for one more effort, which changes the final outcome.

Distinguish perseverance from refusing to rest.

Perseverance does not require constant action without pause. The spider rests when dizzy, becomes steady, and then returns to the task. Recovery supports continued effort rather than replacing it.

Apply the poem's lesson to a difficult examination topic.

A student can identify weak areas, review mistakes, seek help, practise in small sections, and try again. This follows the poem's lesson of steady, purposeful effort after setbacks.

Compare Bruce's goal with the spider's goal.

Bruce aims to complete a great deed for his people, while the spider aims to reach its cobweb home. The goals differ, but both require repeated effort in the face of difficulty.

Why is the comparison between Bruce and the spider metaphorical?

Bruce does not literally climb a thread. The comparison is metaphorical because the spider's upward struggle represents Bruce's effort to overcome failure and reach his own goal.

Differentiate a metaphor from a simile with one source example of each.

A metaphor directly presents one thing as another, as in "The classroom was a zoo." A simile uses like or as, as in "Her smile was as bright as the sun."

What effect does the repetition in "tried and tried" create?

The repetition stresses that Bruce made several efforts before becoming discouraged. It makes the length of his struggle and the depth of his disappointment more convincing.

What effect does the repetition in "up, up" create?

The repeated word reinforces upward movement and gives energy to the spider's renewed climb. It also shows that the spider acts quickly after a fall.

Why is "Bravo" an interjection?

"Bravo" is an interjection because it expresses Bruce's sudden admiration and joy at the spider's success. It is an emotional exclamation rather than a joining or describing word.

How does narrative style make the central idea memorable?

The poem does not merely state that perseverance is good. It tells a story in which readers see failure, repeated attempts, suspense, realization, and success, making the message concrete.

Explain how the opening and ending contrast with each other.

The opening is marked by loneliness, failure, and a decision to quit. The ending is marked by praise, renewed determination, another attempt, and success. This contrast highlights Bruce's transformation.

Write a short answer on the central idea of the poem.

The central idea is that perseverance can overcome despair. The spider keeps climbing after repeated falls and finally reaches its web. Inspired by this example, Bruce tries once more and succeeds.

Prepare a five-step plan for overcoming a difficult situation.

To begin with, define the problem clearly. Next, identify what caused earlier difficulty. After that, seek useful help or practise a weaker part. Then, continue through small steps. Finally, review progress and try again.

Write a brief concluding paragraph for a letter advising a cousin not to quit.

Finally, remember that one failure does not decide the result. Take time to recover, learn from the attempt, and continue step by step. The spider in the poem shows that steady effort can turn despair into success.

Try Again Frequently Asked Questions

Dive into the insightful chapter 'Try Again' from the English book Poorvi for Class 7. Explore themes of perseverance and resilience through the story of King Bruce and the spider.

QWhat is the central theme of 'Try Again'?

The central theme of 'Try Again' is perseverance. It tells the story of King Bruce, who learns that persistent efforts, as demonstrated by the spider, can lead to overcoming challenges and achieving success.

QWho is King Bruce and what challenges does he face?

King Bruce is the protagonist of the poem who struggles with feelings of despair after failing to achieve a great deed for his people. He learns to cope with his challenges through the inspiration he gains from observing a spider.

QHow does the spider symbolize perseverance?

The spider symbolizes perseverance by repeatedly attempting to climb to its web, despite numerous failures. Its determination serves as an inspiration for King Bruce, illustrating the importance of not giving up.

QWhat lesson does King Bruce learn from the spider?

King Bruce learns that, like the spider, he must continue to strive and not succumb to despair. This realization motivates him to attempt his goal again with renewed determination.

QWhat literary devices are used in 'Try Again'?

The poem employs various literary devices including metaphor, imagery, and personification, particularly in comparing the spider’s struggle to King Bruce’s own challenges, enhancing the theme of perseverance.

QWhy does the poet describe the spider's attempts in detail?

The detailed description of the spider's attempts emphasizes its determination and resilience, showing readers that consistent effort, despite setbacks, can lead to success.

QWhat emotional state does King Bruce experience at the beginning of the poem?

At the beginning of the poem, King Bruce experiences a sense of deep despair and sadness due to his continuous failures, feeling isolated and contemplating giving up.

QHow does the mood change by the end of the poem?

By the end of the poem, the mood shifts from despair to hope and determination, as King Bruce is inspired by the spider's perseverance and decides to try again.

QWhat does the phrase 'low despair' signify in the poem?

The phrase 'low despair' signifies a profound sense of hopelessness that King Bruce feels, illustrating the depth of his emotional struggle before he finds inspiration.

QWhat inspiring message does 'Try Again' convey?

'Try Again' conveys the inspiring message that persistence and resilience in the face of adversity can lead to success, encouraging readers to never give up on their goals.

QHow does the author use repetition in the poem?

The author uses repetition of phrases like 'tried and tried' to emphasize the importance of continual effort and to reinforce the idea of persistence in overcoming challenges.

QWhat can students learn from the story of King Bruce?

Students can learn that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to success, and that perseverance is crucial when pursuing any goal or dream.

QWhat role does nature play in the poem?

Nature, represented by the spider, plays a crucial role in illustrating the natural instinct for survival and determination, serving as a metaphor for human struggles.

QWhat type of poem is 'Try Again'?

'Try Again' is a narrative poem that tells a story, conveying its message through characters and their experiences rather than adhering to a traditional lyrical form.

QWhy is the spider considered a wise figure in the poem?

The spider is considered wise because it embodies the principle of perseverance, demonstrating through its efforts that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.

QWhat is the rhyme scheme of 'Try Again'?

The rhyme scheme of 'Try Again' follows an AABB pattern, contributing to the lyrical quality and making it engaging to read aloud.

QHow does King Bruce's mindset change throughout the poem?

King Bruce's mindset changes from hopelessness to determination as he witnesses the spider's struggles and successes, inspiring him to overcome his own despair.

QWhat are some examples of metaphor in the poem?

Metaphors in the poem include the comparison of the spider's journey to King Bruce's struggles, illustrating that the efforts and challenges they face are similar.

QWhat does the term 'great deed' refer to in King Bruce's context?

The term 'great deed' refers to King Bruce's goal of achieving something significant for his people, which he initially struggles to accomplish.

QHow does the poem reflect real-life situations?

The poem reflects real-life situations by illustrating how people face challenges, feel despair, but can find motivation to persist through observation or personal reflection.

QWhat message does the spider's method of climbing convey?

The spider's method of climbing conveys that success is often reached through persistent attempts and learning from failures along the way.

QWhat is the significance of the phrase 'all honour to those who try'?

The phrase 'all honour to those who try' signifies respect and recognition for effort and determination, reinforcing the theme of valuing perseverance even in the face of failure.

QHow does 'Try Again' encourage a growth mindset?

'Try Again' encourages a growth mindset by emphasizing that challenges and failures are opportunities for learning and growth, inspiring individuals to embrace effort and resilience.

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Try Again Flashcards

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Recall key events, meanings, themes, and poetic devices from the chapter.

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Who is central to the poem?

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King Bruce of Scotland is the main human character.

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What public role does Bruce hold?

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He is a monarch who wears a crown.

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What is Bruce trying to do?

Active

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He wants to complete a great deed that will make his people glad.

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How does Bruce feel at first?

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He feels lonely, sad, grieved, and close to despair.

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What does "tried and tried" show?

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Bruce has already made several attempts before becoming discouraged.

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What does "pondered" mean?

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It means thought deeply.

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Why is "low" used with despair?

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It intensifies the depth of Bruce's hopelessness.

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What does Bruce first decide?

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He says he will give up his effort.

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How is the spider's thread described?

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It is silken, filmy, fine, and delicate.

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Where is the spider trying to go?

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It is trying to reach its cobweb home near the ceiling.

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What does endeavour mean here?

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It means a serious attempt or determined effort.

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What does the spider do after falling?

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It begins climbing again instead of complaining.

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How does the struggle affect the spider?

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It becomes dizzy and faint after a fall.

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What happens after the spider rests?

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Its head grows steady and it climbs again.

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How far does it rise on one attempt?

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It travels a half-yard higher.

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How many brave attempts are counted?

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Nine attempts are counted before the final successful climb.

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What does "fast, now slow" show?

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The climb is uneven and difficult.

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Why does Bruce call it foolish?

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He assumes repeated failure should make the spider stop.

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How close is the spider near the end?

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It is only a foot from its cobweb door.

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What does this phrase suggest?

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Slow, steady progress through small gains.

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How does the spider complete the climb?

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A bold little run at the last moment puts it into its web.

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What kind of word is "Bravo"?

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It is an interjection expressing sudden admiration and joy.

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What does Bruce praise?

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He honours those who continue trying.

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What has the spider defeated?

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Its persistence has overcome the pull of despair.

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Why does Bruce ask, "why shouldn't I?"

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He applies the spider's success to his own struggle.

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What does the phrase mean?

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Bruce mentally prepares himself for another difficult attempt.

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What happens when Bruce tries again?

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He does not fail on that renewed attempt.

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What is perseverance?

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Continuing purposeful effort despite setbacks.

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How does the spider show resilience?

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It recovers from strain and returns to the task.

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What is a metaphor?

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An implied comparison that does not use like or as.

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What is a simile?

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A comparison using like, as, or a paired as construction.

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What two struggles are compared?

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The spider's climb is compared with Bruce's effort to achieve his deed.

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Why repeat words in the poem?

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Repetition emphasizes effort, direction, and steady movement.

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Which scheme is identified?

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The lesson identifies an ABAB rhyme scheme.

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Why is the poem narrative?

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It tells connected events with characters, conflict, change, and an ending.

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