"Paul Revere's Ride" by Longfellow celebrates the historic midnight ride, conveying patriotism during the Civil War. The poem's vivid imagery and rhythmic structure evoke urgency, emphasizing Revere's courage and its lasting impact on American history.
The central idea of this excerpt from "Paul Revere's Ride" revolves around the historical event of Paul Revere's midnight ride, emphasizing its pivotal role in American history.
Longfellow, writing during the Civil War, intended to inspire Northerners by highlighting Revere's courageous act. The structure of the poem aids in developing this idea through vivid imagery, detailed descriptions, and a rhythmic narrative that captures the urgency of the ride. The poem subtly incorporates anti-slavery sentiments, making allusions to a burial ground for enslaved people and the landmark Somerset case.
Longfellow's choice of perspective, that of a landlord addressing his "children," enhances the sense of shared history and national identity, fostering a collective memory of heroic deeds during challenging times.