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 2 Paragraph 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