Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "Paul Revere's Ride," has captured the imagination of readers for many years, painting a vivid picture of the American Revolution's beginnings and establishing Paul Revere as a national hero. However, Longfellow's focus was not on historical precision, as he omits other key figures like William Dawes. Instead, the narrative is a deliberate creation of a legend, beginning with the persona of an elder imparting a significant historical tale to the youth.

Setting the Stage

The poem opens by evoking a sense of passing down history, with the narrator addressing "my children" to recount the events of "the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five." The brevity of the first stanza serves as an introduction, akin to a prologue, setting the tone for a tale of heroism and patriotism that culminates in the poem's final lines. Longfellow begins to build the myth of Revere as a lone figure safeguarding his community, despite not mentioning Revere directly in the second stanza. Instead, he outlines Revere's plan to alert the townsfolk of the impending British actions.

The Looming Threat

Longfellow shifts to the tension in Boston, where British military might is embodied by the formidable presence of the Somerset, a man-of-war that looms over the harbor and city. In the subsequent stanzas, the focus moves to an unnamed "friend" tasked with observing the British soldiers. His vigilance is highlighted as he waits to confirm the British will approach by sea. This character remains central as he ascends the North Church tower, surveying Boston from above and preparing to warn of danger.

Revere's Anticipation

The narrative then shifts to Revere himself, who waits anxiously on the opposite shore. Longfellow paints a vivid image of Revere's anticipation: pacing, preparing his horse, and gazing at the church steeple. He, too, briefly reflects on the nearby graveyard, contemplating the peril of his mission before refocusing on the task at hand—awaiting the signal of the second lamp.

The Ride of a Nation

As Revere embarks on his infamous ride, Longfellow describes the sights and sounds that underscore its crucial impact on "the fate of a nation." The poet suggests that without the bravery of individuals like Revere, the revolution might have faltered. Revere's journey is traced through the countryside in subsequent stanzas, with each town—Medford, Lexington, and Concord—marking his progress and the spreading alarm.

Legacy of Defiance

In the poem's concluding stanzas, Longfellow returns to the theme of America's storied past and its defenders' resilience. Stanza 13 contrasts the disciplined "British Regulars" with American "farmers," who despite their simplicity, force the British to retreat. The final stanza cements Revere as a symbol of American independence, suggesting that his spirit of "defiance" will resurface whenever the nation is in peril.

Longfellow’s "Paul Revere's Ride" is often critiqued for its conventional diction, clichéd imagery, and overly uniform meter. Yet, despite these criticisms, the poem endures in American culture, evoking a sense of patriotism and historical reflection. To understand its lasting appeal, one must consider the poet's techniques and the historical context in which it was written.

Conventional Diction and Imagery

The poem’s diction and imagery are marked by familiarity, which some perceive as a flaw. Longfellow uses phrases such as "the tramp of feet" and "the measured tread of the grenadiers," which contribute to a sense of predictability. Stanzas 9 through 12 are particularly guilty of this, featuring expressions like "the crowing of the cock" and "the barking of the farmer’s dog." Additionally, the simile comparing the shadows of a warship to prison bars feels somewhat heavy-handed, and repeated references to moonlight in various stanzas can...