“The Highwayman” – The Elements of Poetry
To begin our poetry study, we are looking at one poem that has many of the elements you
have been thinking about. Remember that you have all necessary definitions and
information to complete these questions.
Answers in italics.
1. Look up the word “highwayman.” Write out the definition here.
2. Of expository, narrative or descriptive, which type of poetry is this?
Why?
3. Of ballad or epic, which type of poem is this?
Why?
4. How many stanzas are there in this poem?
5. Does this poem have rhythm?
How can you tell?
6. Give an example of two rhyming words from Part 1 of this poem:
7. Quote an example of a metaphor from Part 2 of this poem:
8. Quote an example of simile from Part 1 of this poem:
9. Quote an example of alliteration from either part of this poem:
10. Quote an example of onomatopoeia from either part of this poem:
11. Give an example of repetition from the first 3 stanzas of this poem:
12. Of the following, choose the best summary of this poem.
a) A criminal convinces a landlord’s daughter to protect him from official pursuers by
flirting with her. Consequently, she kills herself to notify him of a trap intended to result
in his capture. She now haunts the road the highwayman rode upon waiting for him.
b) Bess and the Highwayman are in love, but Tim the ostler is jealous and reveals their
plans to officials. These officials set up a trap to capture the highwayman, but Bess
sacrifices herself to save him. The highwayman tries to get revenge and is murdered.
Now both dead lovers haunt the road.
13. Choose the best summary of this poem’s theme:
a) True love can overcome all.
b) Justice always wins out in the end.
c) Love is tragic.
14. Choose the best summary of this poem’s tone. Check the last two stanzas.
a) romantic, soft, ethereal
b) tragic, sad, forgetful
c) eerie, tragic, haunting