Poetry Comprehension: The Highwayman

The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes (extract)

The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees, The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas, The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor, And the highwayman came riding— Riding—riding— The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door.

1. What time of day is it? How do you know?
2. Who is the main character?
3. Where is he going?
4. Find one word that describes the wind.

5. 'The moon was a ghostly galleon' — what does this metaphor mean? What is the moon being compared to?
6. 'The road was a ribbon of moonlight' — why is this an effective image?
7. Why does the poet repeat 'riding—riding—riding'? What effect does this create?
8. What mood or atmosphere does the poet create? Use evidence from the text.

9. Identify all the metaphors in this extract. For each one, explain what is being compared and why it is effective.
10. How does the poet use sound to create atmosphere? Consider: rhythm, repetition, alliteration.
11. Write your own opening verse for a poem about a mysterious character arriving somewhere. Use at least 2 metaphors and repetition.