Answer:
Answer given below.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea of this excerpt from "Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is that Paul Revere rode through the night to warn the people of Middlesex about the impending arrival of British troops. The structure of the poem helps to develop this central idea by taking the reader on a journey through the night with Paul Revere. The poem is divided into stanzas, each representing a different hour of the night, which helps to create a sense of urgency and suspense as the reader follows Revere's journey.
Longfellow uses vivid imagery to describe the sights and sounds that Revere encounters on his ride, such as the crowing of a rooster and the barking of a dog, which helps to create a sense of realism and immerse the reader in the story. The poem also contains historical references, such as the meeting-house windows and the British musket ball, which adds to the accuracy of the poem and reinforces the idea that this event actually happened.
Finally, Longfellow uses repetition throughout the poem to reinforce the central idea and create a sense of rhythm. The repetition of the phrase "It was..." at the beginning of each stanza helps to create a sense of structure and highlight the passing of time. The repetition of the phrase "the midnight message of Paul Revere" at the end of the poem emphasizes the importance of Revere's ride and how it has become a symbol of American history. Overall, the structure of the poem helps to develop the central idea of Paul Revere's heroic ride to warn the people of Middlesex.