Description
Article Analysis Essay: Students will submit a brief analysis essay of 2-3 pages, based on reading an additional
scholarly article. The analysis paper should expand the understanding of the course. The analysis paper must
include a synopsis of the article, explanation of the authors’ views, and the strengths/weaknesses of the article.
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Explanation & Answer
Attached.
Analysis of "Sybil Ludington, the Female Paul Revere" by Paula D. Hunt
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Paula D. Hunt scrutinizes the historical figure Sybil Ludington, a little-known
historical figure who became a prominent figure in American memory. Ludington was often
called the ‘female Paul Revere’ for allegedly making a night ride at sixteen in 1777 to alert
colonial militias of British troop movements. However, as Hunt argues, it is not until almost a
century after the story that it entered widespread awareness, and it raises important questions
about the making of historical memory, particularly concerning questions of gender and
national identity (Hunt, Pg. 188).
Synopsis
His initial treatment of the Ludington legend centers on the legend's core: a teenage
girl rode forty miles alone through the countryside, warning American forces of British
advances. Unlike Paul Revere’s ride, Ludington’s lacks contemporary documentation. Her
nephew first mentions her story in a local history book (Hunt, pg. 191). It was taken up in the
early 20th century partly through the work of local historians, Ludington’s descendants, and
patriotic groups such as the daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) (Hunt, pg. 193–
195). Hunt investigates how these groups elevated Ludington’s story to national status
through monuments, school curricula, and even a U.S. postage stamp issued in honor of her
(Hunt, pg. 198–199).
Author’s Views
He is measured and analytical throughout. She neither says nor denies the historical
accuracy of Ludington’s ride. Instead, she considers how and why American culture created
and embraced the story. As she argues, Ludington’s tale met specific cultural needs—
specifically, the need to honor women as active participants in the Revolutionary War. Her
story coincides with the rise of women’s suffrage and broader attempts to place women in the
national narrative (Hunt, Pg 199–201). Hunt also explains how Ludington’s legacy was
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fueled by local identity and regional pride. Her story was elevated to national awareness by
residents of Putnam County, New York, and Ludington family descendants who characterized
her as a symbol of feminine patriotism and youthful bravery (Hunt, Pg. 196). Hunt sees this
as deliberately using the ‘usable past’ – historical figures are transformed to fit contemporary
cultural and political needs (Hunt, pg. 201).
Strengths of the Article
One of the strengths of Hunt’s article is that it is interdisciplinary in the sense that it
combines historiography, gender studies, and cultural analysis. She shows that retelling
stories like Ludington’s, whether true or not, helps to create national identity. Hopefully, her
thorough documentation of DAR archives, local histories, government records, etc., will help
her vouch for her findings (Hunt, Pg. 203–205). Furthermore, Hunt’s tone is balanced and
scholarly. While pointing out the lack of primary source evidence, she does not mock or
dismiss the Ludington story’s importance. Instead, she describes her portrayal as an example
of how myth and memory are often more powerful than fact (Hunt, pg. 206). The article’s
objectivity contributes to ongoing debates about history and who we decide to honor.
Hunt’s second strength is an examination of the gender dynamics in historical
storytelling. From this, by examining why Ludington’s story was taken up and amplified in
some eras, she shows how the culture’s underlying narratives about femininity, patriotism,
and civic virtue have shifted (Hunt, pg. 209–211). This context explains why the lack of
female Revolutionary War figures in early historical accounts created a need to “recover”
heroines such as Ludington.
Weaknesses of the Article
Though rich in detail and well-argued, some sections repeat similar points, especially
the repetition emphasis on the absence of contemporary documentation. This repetition is
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necessary to support Hunt’s ca...
