Text Evidence RL 8.1
What line shows the poem takes place at night?
"Listen my children and you shall hear,
of the MIDNIGHT ride of Paul Revere..."
What is one theme of the poem?
One person's actions can alter history.
What is the structure of this poem?
Chronological
What is the tone of the speaker of the poem?
Admiring, etc.
What helps you infer secrecy is important?
"he rowed across with MUFFLED oar.." etc.
What line explains the lantern signal?
"one if by land, two if by sea."
How does Revere's Ride reveal the theme of courage? (Text evidence!)
Revere rides through the night despite the fact that the British are on the way. The poem says, "A cry of defiance, and not of fear"
Why does the poet emphasize waiting early in the poem?
How does the speaker's point of view affect how Revere is seen?
The speaker's portrayal of Revere makes Revere seem heroic, courageous, and brave. "Impatient to mount and ride,"
"Meanwhile it was twelve by the village clock," "It was one..." "It was two.."
What detail shows urgency in Revere's actions?
"Then impatient to mount and ride..."
"Then impetuous stamped the earth,"
"Mostly watched with eager search.."
What theme is shown through the colonists' response? (Text Evidence)
Courage, bravery, determination
"The farmers gave them ball for ball, from behind each fence and farmyard wall, chasing the red coats down the lane, then crossing the fields to return again, under the trees at the turn of the road, only pausing to fire and to load..."
How does pacing change once the ride begins? (Text Evidence)
It increases.
"A hurry of hooves in the village-street, a shape in the moonlight, a bulk in the dark..."
What tone words are used to describe the British threat?
"The Somerset, British MAN OF WAR..."
"Across the moon like a PRISON BAR"
"A huge black HULK that was magnified by it's own reflection in the tide"
Find one example of alliteration
"Lonely and Spectral, and Somber, and Still.
What lines capture foreshadowing?
"And one was safe and asleep in his bed, who at the bridge would be first to fall, who that day would be lying dead, pierced by a British musket ball."
Find evidence of the theme of courage.
"A cry of defiance, and not of fear" (answers may very)
How does the structure build suspense?
The chronological structure creates tension as Revere's ride progresses. He gets faster and the readers see him pass through more towns. He never lets up or slows down.
Where does the poet's tone sound rooted in national pride?
"The people will waken and listen to hear, the hurting hoof beats of that steed, and the midnight message of Paul revere?
How does the poem blend history and story telling?
The poet takes the actual midnight ride of Paul Revere, but re-tells it in a child-like way to ensure Americans of all ages can understand the themes of heroism, courage, and bravery.
What lines best show the colonists responding quickly?
"only pausing to fire and to load."
What theme is revealed by both the lantern and the spark?
The hope, light, and spark of revolution
What is the purpose of the last stanza? Why would the poet include it?
To remind future Americans of their patriotic past and to encourage them to stand up and be brave and courages when the moment calls for it.
Why does the speaker address “children” instead of adults?
The speaker uses a teaching tone, suggesting the poem is meant to pass down a lesson and preserve history for future generations.
Why is it ironic that the speaker is talking to children?
It is ironic the speaker is talking to children about war in childlike terms.