The Highwayman Critique

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One of the most beautiful and poignant poems I have ever read is “The Highwayman” by Alfred Noyes. It is the tragic story of two young lovers - Bess, the landlord’s daughter, and the highwayman, a thief. They are deeply in love and plan to run away together. The highwayman tells Bess that he wants to complete one last robbery. He is overheard by a stablehand and reported to the authorities. To save her lover, Bess sacrifices herself. When the highwayman learns of this, he is consumed with revenge and killed by the King’s soldiers. The legend says that on nights like the one when they were killed, the ghosts of Bess and her lover can be seen. This ballad uses a variety of literary devices to enhance the overall effect of the author’s words. First, Noyes uses imagery throughout the poem to describe the setting and the characters. He appeals to the senses of sight and sound with the words, “His rapier hilt a-twinkle, under the jewelled sky” and “Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed in the dark inn-yard.” Noyes continues with imagery of Bess, her dark brown hair, the British soldiers in their red coats, and her well-dressed lover to create a vivid picture of exactly who the players are. He uses sound imagery to describe the action that is occurring as the highwayman rides up to the inn. In addition, the poet uses onomatopoeia with the words “Tlot-tlot; tlot-tlot!” and “ clattered and clashed” to create a lively and interesting vision for the reader. Repetition is another device Noyes uses to develop effect. For example, “A red-coat troop came marching – Marching – marching”, helps the reader identify with the character, as well as creating a sense of urgency. Second, Noyes uses many devices such as simile, metaphor, and personification to bring an overall effect for the poem. The use of simile can convey readers to the character’s experience vividly and

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