Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Essential Questions for "Paul Revere’s Ride”

1. How can people promote freedom?
2. Why is it important to feel patriotic about your country?
3. How would the Americans feel after winning the battle at Lexington and Concord?

A Quick Synopsis of "Paul Revere’s Ride"

On April 18th, 1875, Paul Revere goes on his famous midnight ride. Revere said to his friend, “If the British march by land or by sea tonight, hang a lantern to signify how they are traveling: one if by land two if by sea.” Revere waited on the opposite shore ready to ride and spread the news to all the villages and farms: they would be ready to fight and not caught by surprise.

Paul Revere silently rows to the opposite shore and waits while the moon rises and the Somerset, a British ship, moves through the water.

Meanwhile, Revere’s friend eagerly watches and listens. He quietly climbs the tower of the Old North Church looking down below at the churchyard. All of a sudden, something catches his attention in the distance: a line of boats heading toward the shore.

Paul Revere is impatient to ride and stares at the Old North Church waiting for a signal; he sees a glimmer of light and jumps onto his horse. He waits a moment longer, staring at the same place until he sees a second lamp burning.

Paul Revere and his steed fly fearlessly through the night, knowing that the nation relies on them. At midnight, Revere passes the Mystic River and crosses the bridge into Medford town. At 1:00 A.M., he gallops into Lexington and by 2:00 A.M., he enters Concord town. Farmers are ready and fought the British off, chasing the Red Coats away, only stopping to reload their muskets.

So, through the night Paul Revere rode his steed, and in doing so alerted every village and farm to be ready. This message will forever be remembered.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

What is the poem 'Paul Revere's Ride' about?

'Paul Revere's Ride' is a narrative poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that retells the story of Paul Revere's midnight journey to warn American villagers and farmers of the approaching British troops before the battles of Lexington and Concord during the American Revolution.

How can I teach 'Paul Revere's Ride' to elementary students?

To teach 'Paul Revere's Ride' to elementary students, use a quick synopsis, discuss its essential questions, and incorporate engaging activities like timelines, character maps, and creative storyboards to help students visualize and understand the poem's key moments.

What are some essential questions for discussing 'Paul Revere’s Ride' in class?

Essential questions include: How can people promote freedom? Why is patriotism important? and How might Americans have felt after winning at Lexington and Concord? These guide critical thinking and classroom discussion.

Why is 'one if by land, two if by sea' significant in 'Paul Revere's Ride'?

The phrase 'one if by land, two if by sea' refers to the signal system used to alert Paul Revere about the British troops' route, making it a memorable symbol of American ingenuity and the urgency of Revere's mission.

What lesson activities work best for 'Paul Revere's Ride'?

Effective lesson activities for 'Paul Revere's Ride' include story mapping, analyzing historical context, role-playing the midnight ride, and creative writing assignments to help students connect with the poem's themes and historical significance.