Question

What is a central idea of this excerpt of "Paul Revere's Ride"? How does the structure of the poem help to develop this central idea? Use evidence from the text to support your response. Your response should be at least two complete paragraphs.

Answer 1

The main idea of of Paul Revere's Ride is wanting to free America from England. In his earnest passion, he was not afraid to ride on a horse to warn Massachusetts of the arrival of British colonies. He shouts, "The British are coming!", risking his life just to free America.

These were the following figures of speech he used to convey the idea of his gallant bravery.

Simile: "across the moon like a prison bar"
Alliteration: "struck out by a steed flying fearless and fleet"
Personification: "the watchful night wind, as it went, creeping from tent to tent"
Assonance: "on then rising tide like a bridge of boats"

The overall poem format was in a narrative form.