Here we have Try Again by W. E. Hickson summary
Failure is something everyone fears, yet it is also the greatest teacher life can offer. Every toppled step, every missed target, and every unfulfilled dream carries a lesson waiting to be learned. Try Again by W. E. Hickson speaks directly to this universal human experience. With simple language and a powerful moral, the poem reminds readers that success is not born from instant victories but from patience, courage, and repeated effort. Written especially for young minds, Try Again stands as a timeless call to resilience, urging us to rise each time we fall and to believe that perseverance can turn defeat into triumph.
Here we have Try Again by W. E. Hickson summary.
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Confucius
This profound saying perfectly reflects the spirit of “Try Again,” a motivational poem by William Edward Hickson, a 19th-century British writer and educator. Hickson firmly believed that education should shape character as well as intellect. Through this poem, he teaches a timeless moral lesson: success belongs to those who persevere. His famous line,
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
has become a guiding principle for learners across generations.
The poem carries a strong inspirational tone and is particularly relevant for students. Using simple diction, repetition, and a rhythmic flow, Hickson repeatedly urges readers not to surrender to disappointment. Much like the proverb “Practice makes perfect,” the poem conveys that every sincere effort, even if unsuccessful, brings one closer to achievement. Failure, according to Hickson, is not defeat but a stepping stone.
Here we have Try Again by W. E. Hickson summary.
On a deeper level, the poem emphasizes inner resilience and moral courage. In a world obsessed with instant success, Hickson advocates patience, endurance, and emotional strength. He subtly teaches that character is shaped through struggle. Each failure sharpens resolve and builds determination. As the saying goes,
“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”
Hardships, therefore, are necessary for growth.
The poet also highlights that effort outweighs talent. His advice, “’Tis a lesson you should heed,” serves as a gentle reminder that even great achievers once stumbled. Success is not accidental; it is the result of repeated effort and unwavering faith. Like the idiom “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Hickson reminds us that meaningful success takes time.
The moral of the poem is clear and universal: perseverance conquers all. What truly matters is not how many times we fall, but how bravely we rise again. Thomas Edison’s words echo this idea perfectly:
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
In conclusion, “Try Again” is more than a poem—it is a motivational anthem. It instills hope, courage, and self-belief in young minds. For students facing academic pressure or personal challenges, this poem offers reassurance and encouragement. As the proverb rightly says, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Hickson’s message remains evergreen: never lose heart, keep striving, and always try again.
In the end, Try Again leaves readers with a message that resonates far beyond classrooms and examinations. It teaches that failure is not an endpoint but a stepping stone toward growth and self-belief. Hickson’s poem reassures us that persistence shapes character and determination paves the way to success. Whether one is struggling with studies, ambitions, or life’s challenges, the poem serves as a gentle yet firm reminder that giving up is never the answer. As long as there is effort and hope, success remains within reach—because those who keep trying are the ones who eventually succeed.
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