The Highwayman Essay Plan
Question
In The Highwayman, the
author Alfred Noyes
creates a dark and sinister
atmosphere. Discuss how
the author creates this
atmosphere with reference
to similes, metaphors,
onomatopoeia, symbolism
and foreshadowing.
Introduction – Paragraph 1,
approximately 30 words
• Name of poem – The Highwayman
• Name of author – Alfred Noyes
• Very brief summary of what poem is about
– remember to mention that it’s a ballad
• Refer to the question – Your reader needs
to know what your
essay is going to
be about.
Technique 1 – Metaphors – Paragraph 2
(approximately 50 words)
This first paragraph talks about how a metaphor is used to
create a dark and sinister atmosphere.
Statement – (Begin with a topic sentence)
“The technique of metaphors is used to create a dark and sinister
atmosphere in The Highwayman”
Evidence – Find a quotation to support your
statement, an example of a metaphor
Analysis – Explain how your evidence supports your
statement
Link – Explain how what you have said answers the question, in
this case, how does this create a dark and spooky
atmosphere
When you have completed all of these steps you should have
sealed your paragraph! SEAL
Analysing Metaphors
• When you are analysing metaphors you
must look at two parts of the metaphor:
– the literal meaning (what it actually means)
– the metaphorical meaning (what it makes
you think of)
Metaphor number 2
Paragraph 3 (approximately 50 words)
• Choose a second metaphor and repeat
the process. Do exactly the same thing.
Remember SEAL!
Paragraph 4 – Technique – Similes
– approx. 50 words
Statement – The technique of similes is used to create
a dark and sinister atmosphere in ‘The
Highwayman’
Evidence – “Dumb as a dog”
“Hair like mouldy hay”
Analysis – Discuss what is being compared to what
Link – and how this creates a dark and sinister atmosphere
Choose only one simile
Paragraph 5 & 6 – technique Onomatopoeia
Statement - The technique of onomatopoeia is used to
create a dark and sinister atmosphere
in ‘The Highwayman’
Evidence – Give an example of a sound
word which ;you think creates a
dark and scary atmosphere
Analysis – Discuss what this word makes you think
of
Link – and how this creates a dark and sinister
atmosphere
Choose and discuss 2 examples of onomatopoeia
Paragraphs 7 & 8 – technique Symbolism
• Statement – The technique of symbolism is used to create
a dark and sinister atmosphere in ‘The
Highwayman’
• Evidence – Colours are used as symbols
• Analysis – Discuss what these ;colours represent and
make you think of
• Link – and how this creates a dark and sinister
atmosphere
• Choose two examples of symbolism
Paragraph 9 – Technique Foreshadowing
• Statement – The technique of foreshadowing is used to
create a dark and sinister atmosphere
in ‘The Highwayman’
• Evidence – Pick a quote which gives us a clue to what is
going to happen later in the poem.
• Analysis – Discuss what this clue is
• Link – and how this creates a dark and sinister
atmosphere
• Choose only one example of foreshadowing
Paragraph 10 - Conclusion
• Refer to/answer the question
• Mention the techniques used by the author
• Your thoughts on the poem