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.

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"

( do not use me for points. I will report your answer, thanks. )

Answer 1

The figurative language used in the line "And fired the shot heard round the world" is a metaphor, and it emphasizes the profound and far-reaching impact of the American Revolution, highlighting that it was not just a local event but one with global significance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The figurative language used in the line "And fired the shot heard round the world" is a metaphor. In this line, the phrase "the shot heard round the world" is a metaphorical expression that means the shot fired by the American colonists in the first battle of the Revolutionary War had a profound and far-reaching impact. It suggests that the events at that moment were not just significant locally but would reverberate throughout history, influencing the world.

This figurative language contributes to the overall meaning of the poem by emphasizing the historic and monumental nature of the American Revolution. It highlights the idea that the actions of these embattled farmers in Concord, Massachusetts, were not isolated or insignificant but had global implications. The metaphor underscores the idea that the American Revolution was a pivotal moment in history, a moment when the colonists' quest for freedom and independence would have repercussions far beyond their immediate surroundings. It serves to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought and to remind future generations of the enduring importance of this historical event.