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