Question

Paul Revere's Ride

1. What are the differences between the historical account and the story that Longfellow tells? Explain at least two differences.

2. How do Longfellow's factual inaccuracies establish Revere as the hero of an American mythology or legend?

3. In this poem, Longfellow establishes a tone of deep reverence. How does he accomplish this tone and why is it important?

Answer 1

1) One significant difference in the poem and reality is the fact that Paul Revere didn’t ride alone, as insisted in the poem; rather, Paul Revere was accompanied by Samuel Prescott. One other difference is the discrepancy is setting. The poem states the event occurs on April 18th, but it truly occurred April 16th.

2) Longfellow molded Revere into a symbol of all important core American values that still stand to this day, such as freedom, individualism, liberty, and patriotism.

3) Longfellow treats Revere as a figure much greater and more skillful than to just deliver a message throughout his fellow neighborhoods. Paul Revere is considered ‘a voice in the darkness’, this attributes to a more serious tone and crucial development. A prominent example being the start, “Listen, my children, and you shall hear.” This is much more formal and serious than any other phrase like, “Hey kids, want to hear a story?”

Answer 2

1) One difference is that, in the poem, Paul Revere rode by himself. In reality, he rode with a guy named William Dawes and another guy named Samuel Prescott. Another difference is that, in the poem, the events happened on April 18th. In reality, they happened on April 16th.

2) He made Revere a symbol of all the values that were (and still are) important to the country, such as liberty, individuality, freedom, and patriotism.

3) Throughout the poem, he treats Paul Revere as if he was more than just a messenger riding around on a horse yelling out warnings to all the neighbors in town. He is called "a voice in the darkness", which gives a very serious tone to the poem and reminds the reader that this man was doing something very special and important. Also, the poem starts out, "Listen, my children, and you shall hear", and this phrase sounds more formal and serious than, "Hey kids, want to hear a good story?"