April Morning Symbols Flashcards
Rifles
Rifles are utilized by the local militia for self-defense and hunting, and by the British military for war. They are seen as a measure of man’s independence and ability to defend his rights, and are seen as an instrument of war as well. Rifles are important commodities, as the British attack on Lexington leads to the outpouring of armed men and support against the British troops.
Message
A message is carried by a network of riders – among them Paul Revere – across the Massachusetts countryside when the British troops leave Boston for Concord. This message of warning is carried to Lexington by one such rider, and is heard by Adam, Moses, the Reverend, Joseph Simmons, and the other villagers in the early morning hours of the darkness.
Red sky
A red sky is seen by Levi in a dream the night before the battle. This is an omen of coming bloodshed and war, and portends the coming battle with the British.
Silver
Silver is a kind of metal used for cutlery, dishes, jewelry, and other household items. It is looted and stolen by the British in Concord and in Lexington as they retreat to Boston.
Horses
Horses are stolen by the British troops as they retreat from Boston. This is done for two reasons. First, it allows the British the ability to transport their wounded back to Boston. Second, it prevents the local residents from being able to plow and sow their fields with crops – a punishment for their act of rebellion against the King.
Regimental colors
Regimental colors are flags carried by the units of the British military. Each regiment carries at least a Union Jack flag – the colors of Great Britain – and a flag specific to that regiment. They are a symbol of pride to the regiments, and a demonstration of power to opponents. They are clearly seen when the advance British units under Major Pitcairn array themselves across Lexington Common.
Red uniforms
Red uniforms are the trademark distinguishing characteristic of the British army. They are easily seen and identified, and symbolize British power and pride. British troops in the novel are often referred to as Redcoats, in reference to their uniforms.
Bayonets
Bayonets are a dagger-like blade affixed to the firing end of a rifle. They are used in charges and in hand-to-hand combat against enemy combatants. After Lexington, however, they are used to slaughter many of the local militia who attempt to flee, or who are too seriously injured to flee.
Water
Water is desperately needed throughout the battles on April 19, 1775, and demonstrates the part that women, girls, and children play throughout the day. These noncombatants scramble and work hard to provide passing militiamen with water so that they may go on to fight the British. It is a dangerous thing to do, for if the British were to catch them, they would be targeted for aiding the enemy.
Taper candles
Taper candles are slow, long-burning candles hand-made by the Cooper family for use in their home. A bundle of these candles are given to Adam by Sarah to light the church meetinghouse through the night so that the bodies of the dead – including Moses’s body – will not have to lie in darkness. The Reverend humbly and gratefully accepts these candles to add to those already burning.
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