Highwayman: a holdup man, especially one on horseback, who robbed travelers along a public road.

““The Highwayman” The Highwayman” SummarySummary

The poem, set in 18th century England, tells the story of a nameless highwayman who is in love with Bess, a landlord's (innkeeper) daughter. Betrayed to the authorities by a jealous ostler (stableman), the highwayman escapes ambush when Bess sacrifices her life to warn him. Learning of her death he dies himself in a futile attempt at revenge, shot down on the highway. In the final stanza, the ghosts of the lovers meet again on winter nights.

The poem…The poem…

1st READ: Read the poem to yourself and complete Task 1.

2nd READ: Listen to the audio reading and complete Task 2 and Task 3.

3rd READ: Watch the song/video and complete Task 4 and Task 5

Complete short answer assessment.

Task 1: RepetitionTask 1: RepetitionHighlight “moonlight” throughout the Highlight “moonlight” throughout the

poem.poem.

Why do you think the author repeated this word?

Task 2: Amazing Task 2: Amazing ImagesImages

This poem is filled with wonderful images.

Read through your copy of the poem, underlining and labeling when you see similes and metaphors being used.

Next, pick 1 simile and 2 metaphors.

In your journal, explain what is being compared and draw a picture to accompany your explanation.

Task 3: Sounds Like?Task 3: Sounds Like?

Another important feature of this poem is the use of sound techniques, including onomatopoeia and alliteration.

Look through the poem and circle these techniques being used.

Task 4: Mood and Task 4: Mood and AtmosphereAtmosphere

Copy the following definitions into your journal. Mood: a distinctive emotional quality "the

mood was tense.” Atmosphere: a particular environment or

surrounding influence: "there was an atmosphere of excitement”.

Task 4: Mood and Task 4: Mood and AtmosphereAtmosphere

Think carefully about the emotions the poem ‘The Highwayman’ stirs in you as it is read.

From the words below, pick three which you think could be used to describe the mood/atmosphere in the poem.

Tense Scary Joyful Mysterious AngryDramatic Romantic Exciting

Dreamy Sinister Gloomy

Task 4: Mood and Task 4: Mood and AtmosphereAtmosphere

Now that you have decided which words match the poem, you now need to back yourself up.

Read through the poem, selecting a quotation for each mood word (which means you need 3 quotations).

Explain each quote with “I know this because. . .”

Example: The mood is very sinister when it describes how Bess is captured: ‘There was Death at every window, And Hell at one dark window.’ I know this because the personification of Hell and Death makes it seem as though no-one can escape evil, and hints that Bess will die.

Task 5: The Task 5: The Highwayman – villain Highwayman – villain

or victim?or victim?1. What is your first impression of the Highwayman? Does he seem evil? What

about brave? Or mysterious? Pick a quotation to support your answer and explain.

2. When you read about his relationship with Bess, what does this make you think of the highwayman? Why?

3. How do you feel when you discover that the pair are being spied on? Explain your reasons for feeling this way.

4. How do you feel when you read about what happens to Bess? Again, explain your reasons!

5. What do you think of the highwayman when you read about his reaction to the news of Bess’ death? Explain.

6. How are you left feeling towards the highwayman at the end? Explain.

Task 6: Short Answer Assessment

Choose one question to answer and cite textual evidence to support your answer. (Must use RACE.)

1. What makes ‘The Highwayman’ such a dramatic ballad (narrative) poem?

2. How does the author’s word choice impact the poem?

3. What is the overall tone of the poem? How does the author create that tone?

Reminder!

R estate the question

A nswer correctly

C ite strong evidence

E xplain your answer (This means . . .)