Paul Revere Compare And Contrast

Imagine that it was the middle of the night and you had to alert hundreds of people that there is danger coming their way; you have to go against all odds to deliver your important message. This was the daunting task Paul Revere had on the night of April 18, 1775. In the historical account of Paul Revere’s ride and Henry Longfellow’s version there are many similarities and differences. One of the main similarities is the meaning of the lanterns hanging in the church were the same. The main difference is that different people saw the lanterns hanging. When writing his story, Henry Longfellow used details from history but altered it to make it a more interesting story. Henry Longfellow kept the lanterns similar to the historical account. The meaning of the lanterns were

Longfellow made it to where Paul Revere saw the lanterns first. The author of the historical account states,” While in Charlestown, he verified that the local ‘Sons of Liberty’ committee had seen the prearranged signals,” (131). This means that the Sons of Liberty saw the lanterns before Paul Revere. Longfellow wrote” He springs to the saddle, the bridle he turns/ But lingers and gaze, till full on his sight/ A second lamp in the belfry burns…” (131). Longfellow made it to were Paul Revere was the only one who saw the lanterns. This shows Longfellow changed it to make it seem like Paul Revere was the only one aware of the British coming by sea. Longfellow altered history to make Paul Revere look like more of a hero than he really was. In conclusion, Longfellow altered and used some evidence from history. He kept the meanings of the lanterns the same, so he could tell us how the British where coming to attack. He changed who saw them to make Paul Revere a bigger hero. One can learn from Paul Revere’s ride that he/she should stay calm and brave in a time of crisis- just like Revere