Try Again

In Short

This classic of 19th-century juvenile fiction follows Harry West, an orphaned boy living in a poorhouse. After suffering under the cruelty of an overseer, he runs away to seek his fortune in Boston. Throughout his journey, he faces hunger, betrayal, and malicious accusations of theft. The story remains a compelling example of the "rags-to-riches" moral fable, emphasizing the necessity of personal honor and perseverance. It endures as a heartfelt look at the Victorian ideal of self-reliance and the profound influence of kindness on a developing character.

The Story

The narrative begins in the village of Redfield, where Harry West lives in a poorhouse following the death of his mother, who succumbed to sorrow after his father disappeared. Life becomes increasingly difficult under the cold oversight of Squire Walker and the harsh conditions of his new master, Jacob Wire. Determined to escape this grim fate, Harry flees into the wilderness, navigating the river by boat and surviving on his wits. His initial attempts at freedom are fraught with peril; he is captured, returned to confinement, and subjected to further abuse. Yet, Harry refuses to surrender his spirit, embodying the mantra "try again" every time a plan fails.

Upon successfully reaching Boston, Harry finds work as a stable boy. He encounters a range of characters—some who exploit him and others who offer mentorship. His moral character is tested when he finds a lost pocketbook containing a significant sum of money. Though tempted by thoughts of the comforts the wealth could provide, he returns it to its rightful owner. This act of integrity earns him a measure of respect, but his life remains a struggle as he faces the jealousy of peers and the sting of poverty. He eventually secures a position in a dry-goods store, where he labors diligently despite his lack of formal education.

The climax of the book arrives when Harry is framed for theft by a deceitful associate named Edward. The evidence appears damning, and Harry is cast out, losing the trust of his employers. He falls into a deep despair, compounded by severe illness and the news that his dear friend, Julia Bryant—the "little angel" who has served as his moral compass—is dying. He reaches his lowest point, feeling abandoned by the world and questioning the value of his own righteousness. However, his innocence is eventually brought to light through the persistence of his friends and his own unwavering refusal to abandon his principles.

In the final chapter, the conspiracy against him is unraveled. With his reputation restored, Harry finds himself in a position of stability and peace. He is rewarded not merely with financial success, but with the knowledge that his choices have allowed him to overcome the limitations of his birth. The story concludes with Harry settled comfortably, having successfully navigated the "trials and triumphs" that defined his youth, proving that even a poorhouse boy can achieve a virtuous and prosperous life through steady labor and a clean conscience.

How It Unfolds

The escape from misery Harry decides he can no longer endure the cruel conditions of the poorhouse or the threats of his new master. He slips away into the night, initiating his flight toward Boston with nothing but his courage.

The river and the first failure He attempts to navigate the local river to put distance between himself and Redfield. A series of navigational errors and a dunking in the water force him to reconsider his haste, teaching him the value of prudence.

The journey and the moral test Harry reaches the city and finds work, but his resolve is immediately challenged when he discovers a lost fortune. He chooses to return the money, cementing his internal commitment to "being good" despite his poverty.

The conspiracy of lies Edward, a coworker, frames Harry for theft to cover his own dishonesty. Harry faces the loss of his livelihood and the crushing weight of being labeled a hypocrite by those he serves.

The vindication Through the investigation of his employers and the support of his friends, the truth surfaces. Harry is cleared of all charges, and his character is finally recognized, leading to a secure and happy resolution.

The People

Harry West is the resilient protagonist who views his life as a series of obstacles to be overcome with persistence. He begins as a desperate, impoverished child but matures into a principled young man who values his conscience above all else.

Squire Walker represents the rigid, heartless authority of the village. He is the primary antagonist who seeks to keep Harry in a state of subjugation, embodying the systemic indifference to the suffering of the poor.

Julia Bryant acts as Harry’s "guardian angel." Although she is physically distant for much of the story, her letters and pure spirit provide Harry with the moral support necessary to resist the "tempter" who whispers for him to take the easy path.

Edward Flint serves as a foil to Harry. He is a clerk who prioritizes indulgence and superficial pleasure over long-term integrity. His eventual conspiracy against Harry highlights the contrast between those who act from virtue and those driven by self-interest.

Mr. Nason is the poorhouse keeper who undergoes a shift in character. Initially a friend to Harry, his eventual surrender to the pressure of the Squire shows the fragility of goodness in a society burdened by power imbalances.

In Its Own Voice

"Never mind it, Ben. If we fail once let us try again--that's all."

Harry offers this bit of philosophy to his companion after their boat strikes a rock, establishing the core theme of his own life.

"I have been stupid, but try again."

Harry mutters this to himself after he misses an opportunity for a ride, showing his habit of turning failures into lessons.

"The little angel--the act would forever banish him from her presence."

Harry contemplates the consequences of keeping the lost pocketbook, realizing that the loss of his integrity would cost him more than the money could ever provide.

What It's Really About

The book is a sustained argument for the power of the individual will against institutional adversity. It posits that poverty is a circumstance, not a character flaw, and that a young person’s future is determined by their internal moral code rather than their social standing. The narrative suggests that honesty is a practical tool for survival, not merely an abstract religious duty. By framing the temptation to steal as a battle against an "inner monitor," the story emphasizes that the struggle for self-improvement is an active, daily process of rejecting shortcuts in favor of enduring, honest labor.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate the earnest, moralistic tone of 19th-century American literature will find much to admire here. It reads like a precursor to the modern self-help narrative, though it is firmly rooted in the Victorian belief that character is forged through hardship. The writing is direct and energetic, moving quickly through the plot without over-explaining the psychological motivations of the characters.

However, readers should be prepared for the book's period-specific attitudes. The language occasionally reflects the paternalistic tone of its era, and the casual treatment of poverty as a "bane" to be overcome through individual pluck can feel simplistic or even harsh by modern standards. The dialogue, particularly among the laborers, is stylized and can occasionally feel archaic.

Despite these elements, the core experience is one of surprising empathy. You feel the weight of Harry’s isolation and the genuine warmth of his relief when he finds a friend. The story’s central question—how to remain decent when the world treats you as a nuisance—remains startlingly relevant. It is a brisk, hopeful read that stays with you, serving as a reminder that the resolve to "try again" is, in any century, a powerful way to face an uncertain future.