Paul Revere's Ride Poem Analysis
The Power of Myth and Patriotism: Analyzing Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Paul Revere's Ride"Introduction
"Paul Revere's Ride," also known as "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere," is a celebrated narrative poem by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. First published in 1860, the poem recounts the historic events of April 18, 1775, when Paul Revere rode through the Massachusetts countryside to warn the colonists of the impending British attack. In this article, we will analyze "Paul Revere's Ride," exploring its themes, structure, and imagery to better understand its enduring appeal and the significance of its portrayal of myth, patriotism, and American history.
Structure and Form
"Paul Revere's Ride" is composed of multiple stanzas, each containing six lines. The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme of AABBCC, providing a sense of rhythm and structure that complements its narrative-driven style. The poem's structure also contributes to its storytelling quality, allowing Longfellow to effectively convey the events of that fateful night and the emotions experienced by those involved:
"Listen, my children, and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-Five:
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year."
Themes: Myth, Patriotism, and American History
At its core, "Paul Revere's Ride" is a celebration of American history, patriotism, and the power of myth. The poem tells the story of Paul Revere, a silversmith and patriot who played a crucial role in the events leading up to the American Revolution:
"So through the night rode Paul Revere;
And so through the night went his cry of alarm
To every Middlesex village and farm,
A cry of defiance, and not of fear,
A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door,
And a word that shall echo forevermore!"
The poem also delves into themes of patriotism and national identity, highlighting the collective spirit and determination of the colonists in their fight for freedom and independence:
"For, borne on the night-wind of the Past,
Through all our history, to the last,
In the hour of darkness and peril and need,
The people will waken and listen to hear
The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,
And the midnight message of Paul Revere."
Imagery and Symbolism
"Paul Revere's Ride" is rich in vivid imagery and symbolism that serve to heighten the emotional impact of the poem and underscore its themes. Longfellow employs the imagery of the moonlit night, with its darkness and shadows, to represent both the urgency and the secrecy of Revere's mission:
"And the moon that lit that hour of fear,
As it rose over the bay,
Now brightened the path of the brave Paul Revere,
As he galloped on his way."
The poem also makes use of symbolism to explore themes of patriotism and American history. The "two lanterns" hung in the Old North Church steeple serve as a symbol of the colonists' resourcefulness and unity in the face of adversity:
"One, if by land, and two, if by sea;
And I on the opposite shore will be,
Ready to ride and spread the alarm
Through every Middlesex village and farm."
Conclusion
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Paul Revere's Ride" is a powerful and evocative exploration of American history, patriotism, and the power of myth. Through its structured form, poignant imagery, and exploration of themes such as myth, patriotism, and American history, the poem captures the essence of a defining moment in American history and