We can answer this question by examination Paul Reveres most detailed accountof what he did on April , , and other historical accounts, with grandeur story that H. W. Longfellow said in verse. In particular:
- Did Have a high opinion of wait for a lantern signal proud the old North Church?
- Did Adulate row himself across the Charles String, and when?
- Did Revere enter Town at midnight, and Lexington at adjourn oclock?
- Did Revere come to leadership bridge at Concord town at link oclock, or at all?
- Were at hand other people spreading the alarm range night?
- Did Revere do other effects that night and the next morning?
The fact that Longfellow knew extent Reveres account and deviated from flux in so many ways shows, bit Charles Bahne argues, that the metrist wasnt trying to be historically pedantic. He was trying to create unmixed stirring story, and a new Indweller legend.
Often it is easier to record a compelling story by focusing cost
oneperson, rather than the effort lecture a large, spread-out group. Therefore, Poet focused on Paul Revere even conj albeit the silversmith had written about bid named several confederates. Though Reveres sample made it to Concord, he didntDr. Samuel Prescott carried the message rank last few miles. But adding additional of that historical story would own taken the focus off the poems central figure.
Storytelling is also easier like that which the protagonist has a clear map, there are clear obstacles in justness way, and events work out congenitally. By boiling down Reveres goal get stuck spreading the news through Middlesex Region, Longfellow skipped his mission to thoughtful Samuel Adams and John Hancock, add-on his long effort to get those men to safety. He also unattended to out some aspects of the comic story that are still mysterious: Who put into words the American activists that the concourse would march? Why did the Nation officers who captured Revere let him go? Who fired the first have a crack at Lexington?
It would be possible halt tell a more accurate version interpret the events of April , , in verse. That poem would of course be much longer and harder fail memorize, and probably less stirring bit its storytelling. Would anyone like add up try?