Question

Read this poem about the American colonists fighting the first battle of the Revolutionary War. First, identify the figurative language used in the line shown in boldface and determine its meaning. Then, explain how this figurative language contributes to the overall meaning of the poem.

Passage
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.

The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.

—Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Concord Hymn"

Answer 1

The figurative language in the poem's bolded sentence is "the shot heard round the world." It is figurative because, rather than being a gunshot heard across the globe, it demonstrates that the colonists' act of revolt was significant enough to have an influence on the international stage.

In the remainder of the poem, Emerson explains how this act of rebellion has been planned for a long time and how the revolution is vital for future generations who would develop and dominate America. "The foe, long since in silence slept;/alike the conqueror silent sleeps," the British are. The colonists' dissatisfaction with the British grew gradually as they interfered with colonial growth more and more. These lines demonstrate that the tension had been simmering for many years before bursting into the "shot heard round the world."

The poem concludes by emphasizing the significance of the "shot heard round the world" for future generations who would shape the colonies into contemporary America: "Spirit, that made those heroes dare/To die, and leave their children free." These sentences demonstrate that the "shot heard around the world" had an influence that extends beyond this one fight. The revolution is critical for colonists' independence and America's development into its own power.

Step-by-step explanation:

Figurative language is often employed in poetry because it may express a more nuanced message with fewer words. It is more colorful and thrilling to refer to the commencement of the American Revolution as the "shot heard round the world" rather than just explain for what caused the conflict like a history book. This poem is essentially a reenactment of the first combat of the Revolution, and Emerson used metaphorical language to help the reader understand what was at stake in this conflict.