“Paul Revere’s Ride” has many examples of figurative language, including personification, simile, and metaphor. In this activity, students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying the examples and creating a literal or figurative portrayal of the language.
| DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Personification | Giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas | The watchful night-wind, as it went; Creeping along from tent to tent, And seeming to whisper, "All is well!" |
| Simile | A comparison using 'like' or 'as' | A phantom ship, with each mast and spar; Across the moon like a prison bar |
| Metaphor | An implied comparison between two things | And the spark struck out, by that steed, in his flight; Kindled the land into flame with its heat |
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language in “Paul Revere’s Ride”.
Encourage students to share and explain figurative language examples in a supportive group setting. Interactive discussions help students deepen their understanding and make personal connections to the text.
List open-ended questions about figurative language found in the poem. Thoughtful prompts guide students to think critically and participate actively.
Explain that all voices are valued and respectful listening is required. Clear norms foster a safe, inclusive environment for sharing ideas.
Walk through one figurative language example as a class, discussing what it means and why the author used it. Modeling shows students how to approach analysis.
Ask students to present examples they found, explaining their reasoning. Student-led sharing builds confidence and reinforces learning.
Wrap up by highlighting what was learned about figurative language and its impact on the poem. Summarizing helps solidify understanding and connects ideas.
"Paul Revere's Ride" features personification ("the watchful night-wind, as it went"), simile ("across the moon like a prison bar"), and metaphor ("kindled the land into flame with its heat"). These devices help bring the poem's imagery and action to life.
Students can find figurative language by looking for comparisons, descriptions that give objects human traits, or phrases that aren't meant to be taken literally. Encourage them to spot similes, metaphors, and personification in the poem's lines.
Assign students to create a storyboard showing three examples of figurative language from the poem. They should label the type, quote the example, and illustrate it. This visual approach helps reinforce their understanding.
Figurative language adds vivid imagery and emotion, making the poem more engaging and memorable. It helps readers visualize the events and feel the suspense of Paul Revere's journey.
A simile uses words like "as" or "like" to compare ("across the moon like a prison bar"), while a metaphor is a direct comparison without those words ("kindled the land into flame with its heat"). Both enhance the poem's imagery in unique ways.