1.1 Don’t Give Up! - Class 6 - Balbharati

Author: Phoebe Cary

Genre: Inspirational Poem / Motivational Verse

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 6

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The poem Don’t Give Up! by Phoebe Cary inspires students never to lose courage in the face of failure. It says that success is achieved only through patience and persistent effort. Young birds may fall while learning to fly, but with practice their wings grow stronger and they succeed. Similarly, a sturdy oak tree may bend in storms but rises taller and prouder each time. The poet reminds us that easy victories have little value, but true victory is gained when we rise after defeat. The message is clear—struggles, patience, and determination lead to greatness, and one must never give up.

Theme / Central Idea

The poem conveys the theme of perseverance. It teaches that failures are stepping stones to success, and persistence in trying again and again makes us stronger and prouder.

Word Meanings

Figures of Speech (with examples)

1. Metaphor – Failure is compared to a “test” that tries one’s courage.

2. Simile – “Though young birds, in flying, fall, still their wings grow stronger” – effort compared to learning to fly.

3. Personification – The oak tree is described as if it knows storms and rises prouder.

4. Alliteration – “Gaining victory from defeat” – repetition of ‘v’ and ‘d’ sounds.

5. Imagery – Vivid picture of birds learning to fly and oak trees surviving storms.

   
   

Rhyme Scheme

The rhyme scheme of the poem is abab in each stanza.

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Why does the poet say we should not give up?

   The poet says we should not give up because success comes only through patience and effort. Failures make us stronger and prepare us for victory.

   
   

2. What do the young birds in the poem teach us?

   The young birds teach us that practice makes us stronger. Even if we fall at first, we must try again until we succeed.

   
   

3. How is the oak tree a symbol of strength?

   The oak tree bends in storms but rises taller and prouder. It symbolises resilience and teaches us to rise stronger after every difficulty.

   
   

4. Why are easy victories not valued much?

   Easy victories are not valued because they do not test our strength. Real success comes from overcoming failures and struggles.

   
   

5. Have you ever faced failure and then succeeded later? Describe.

   Yes, once I failed in a competition but tried again with more practice. The second time I succeeded, which felt more rewarding because it came after struggle.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. The poem teaches us to give up after failure. → False

2. Young birds succeed in flying at the first attempt. → False (They fall first, then improve.)

3. The oak tree becomes stronger after every storm. → True

4. Success without struggle has little value. → True

5. The poet of the poem is Phoebe Cary. → True

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. What examples does the poet use to explain perseverance?

   The poet uses examples of young birds learning to fly and the oak tree surviving storms. Both show the strength gained from repeated effort.

   
   

2. What is the meaning of ‘Gaining victory from defeat’?

   It means that true success comes when we rise again after failure. Defeat is a test that leads to greater achievement.

   
   

3. How does the poem inspire students?

   The poem inspires students to be patient and determined. It teaches them to see failure as part of learning and to never give up.

   
   

4. Why is patience important according to the poem?

   Patience is important because it helps us continue trying without losing hope. Great achievements come only through patient effort.

   
   

5. What message does the poem Don’t Give Up! give?

   The poem gives the message that perseverance, courage, and patience bring success. Failures are not the end but stepping stones to greatness.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Don’t Give Up! by Phoebe Cary is a motivational poem that teaches perseverance and courage. Using simple but powerful images like young birds and sturdy oak trees, the poet inspires readers to face failure bravely. The rhyme and rhythm make the message lively, while the refrain-like advice “Don’t give up” adds emphasis. The poem is memorable because it shows that success after struggle is the sweetest, and determination always leads to victory.

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