An introduction through images and animated version of the poem, followed by activities to consolidate comprehension, and beginning to explore Noyes' use of imagery. A useful introduction for students aged 11-14 years. Could be used for lower ability native English speakers or ESL students.

1. Alfred Noyes
THE HIGHWAY MAN

2. S O M E R I G H T S R E S E R V E D B Y M I N I F I G V I A C O M P F I G H T
3

3. A Highway Man was…
A name for a thief in the past who
would hold up (steal from) people on
the road. A highway man was usually
on a horse.
PRE-READING

4. Main ideas are sometimes called themes. In
this poems there are a few different themes:
Love
Jealousy
Justice
Life and death
MAIN IDEAS

5. 1. Watch the video
1. Think Pair Share:
• What is the story of the highwayman?
• Were there any images which really stood out to
you?
PRE-READING

6. PRE-READING

7. Listen to part on of the poem, and read
the words at the same time.
Can you summarize the first part of the
story in 6 sentences?
PART I OF THE POEM

8. The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed
upon cloudy seas…
IMAGES CREATED BY THIS
METAPHOR

9. The road was a ribbon of moonlight over
the purple moor…
WHAT ATMOSPHERE DOES THIS
IMAGE CREATE?

10. 1. Look at these images used to describe Tim the
Ostler
2. Are they metaphors or similes?
3. Can you explain what is being compared and the
effect it has (e.g. does it create a frightening
atmosphere?)
“His eyes were hollows of madness”
“his hair like mouldy hay”
“dumb as a dog he listened”
INVESTIGATING IMAGES