Paul Revere's Ride

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Paul Revere's Ride


At a glance:

  • Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
  • First Published: 1861
  • Type of Poem: Narrative
  • Genres: Poetry, Narrative poetry

The Poem

For generations of readers, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” has defined the beginning of the American Revolution, and Revere has become an American hero. Longfellow’s primary concern was not historical accuracy, however; he portrays Revere as the only messenger, ignoring the equally important roles of William Dawes and other riders. From beginning to end, the poet consciously attempts to create a legend. Thus, in the first stanza, he adopts the persona of an older person transmitting a significant oral tradition to a younger generation...

(The entire page is 1830 words.)

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