Poetry Basics
What type of poem is The Highwayman?
Ballad
Where does the poem take place?
At an old inn and on a dark road
Who is the highwayman?
A robber who steals from travelers
Where do the highwayman and Bess meet?
At the inn
What is imagery?
Language that creates pictures in the reader’s mind
What is a ballad?
A poem that tells a story
When does the poem take place?
The 1700s
Who is Bess?
The landlord’s daughter
What do they promise each other?
To meet again after he steals gold
What is an example of repetition in the poem?
“Riding—riding—”
Name one feature of a ballad.
Plot / Characters / Dialogue / Repetition / Rhythm
Name one clue that shows the time period.
Muskets / Swords / Redcoats / Highway robbers
What does Bess do to warn the highwayman?
Shoots herself
What do the soldiers do to Bess?
Tie her up
What does “Tlot-tlot” represent?
Horse hooves (onomatopoeia)
What does the rhythm of the poem sound like?
Horse hooves galloping
What kind of mood does the setting create?
Dark and mysterious
Who likely betrays the highwayman?
Tim the Ostler
What is the climax of the poem?
Bess shoots herself to warn him
What does the musket symbolize?
Warning and sacrifice
What line shows the rhythm of galloping?
“Riding—riding—the highwayman came riding…”
Give an example of imagery from the setting.
“The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees”
What is one trait of the highwayman?
Brave / Romantic
How does the poem end?
Both die and their ghosts appear
Name one theme of the poem.
Love requires sacrifice / Loyalty / Betrayal leads to tragedy