The Highwayman Essay Plan

1. The Highwayman Essay Plan

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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)

6. Metaphor number 2Paragraph 3 (approximately 50 words) • Choose a second metaphor and repeat the process. Do exactly the same thing. Remember SEAL!

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Paragraph 10 - Conclusion • Refer to/answer the question • Mention the techniques used by the author • Your thoughts on the poem