Repetition: Repetition of words or phrases emphasizes important ideas and creates a sense of rhythm and unity throughout the poem.
"Here" is repeated five times, creating emphasis and a sense of place.
"By the rude bridge that arched the flood," is repeated, further emphasizing the importance of the location.
"Our fathers bled" and "our brethren bled," repeats the idea of sacrifice and emphasizes the cost of freedom.
Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words adds emphasis and creates a sense of rhythm.
"Here once the embattled farmers stood" (the repetition of "f" and "b" sounds)
"Fired the shot heard round the world" (the repetition of "f" and "r" sounds)
"And fired the shot heard round the world" (the repetition of "f", "r", and "d" sounds)
Imagery: Vivid and descriptive language creates mental pictures and helps the reader to visualize the events and setting of the poem.
"By the rude bridge that arched the flood"
"The embattled farmers stood"
"And fired the shot heard round the world"
Personification: Human characteristics are given to inanimate objects or abstract ideas, adding depth and emotion to the poem.
"The rising moon saw the ranks advance" (the moon is given the ability to see)
"The shot reverberated through the hills" (the shot is given the ability to reverberate)
Metaphor: A comparison is made between two unlike things without using "like" or "as."
"And fired the shot heard round the world" (a resounding declaration compared to a gunshot heard globally)
Symbolism: The elements in the poem carry deeper meanings beyond their literal significance, often representing abstract ideas or concepts.
"rude bridge": represents a simple and rustic structure that became the site of a significant battle
"embattled farmers": symbolizes the civilians who took up arms to defend their cause
"rising moon": signifies the beginning of a new era and the dawn of a new nation