“The Highwayman”
Name: ___________________________________________
Text-dependent Questions (Answer on a separate sheet of paper.)
1. In line 1 it says, “The wind a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees”. What does this reveal
about the setting? Find other evidence from the text that supports how the author portrays
the setting of this story.
2. Based on context clues, what does the word cobbles mean in line 13?
3. What can you infer when the highwayman tells Bess on line 27, “Yet, if they press me sharply,
and harry me through the day, then look for me by moonlight”?
4. What does the highwayman promise Bess?
5. It is implied in the poem that Tim told the redcoats of the highwayman’s love for Bess. What
is Tim’s motive, or reason for betraying Bess?
6. Comparing the descriptions given of Tim and the highwayman, what can you infer about each
of their characters?
7. Describe why Noyes uses the metaphor “ribbon of moonlight” to describe the road? Find at
least two more metaphors.
8. Lines 77-79 says “Her musket shattered in the moonlight, Shattered her breast in the
moonlight and warned him—with her death.” Who is Bess warning and why?
9. Line 85 says “back he spurred like a madman, shouting a curse to the sky.” What caused the
highwayman to be so angry?
10. What literary device is used in the last two stanzas of the poem and how does it affect the
plot?
11. Explain in detail the plot of the story.
12. How is the soldiers’ behavior ironic?
13. Explain how the Highwayman is an outlaw and a hero.
14. In line 57 Noyes says “..and the hours crawled by like years”. What literary term is used here?
15. Explain the theme of this poem. Cite textual evidence to support your answer. (This should
be in paragraph form, and you need at least 3 pieces of supporting evidence.)
“The Highwayman”
Name: ___________________________________________
Extended Response: (You may use your annotations on this.)

Prompt
In the poem, Tim is being a good citizen by turning in the robber; however, is portrayed
as the villain. Why does the reader sympathize with the highwayman as opposed to the
“Good Samaritan”?
Use the evidence chart to help you lay out your answer. One example has been given to
show you how to complete.
Evidence
Quote or paraphrase
1. “And he rode with a jeweled
twinkle, his pistol butts a
twinkle, his rapier hilt atwinkle, under the jeweled
sky.”
2.
3.
4.
Page
number
Line 10
Elaboration / explanation of how this evidence
supports ideas or argument
This quote is showing the positive description of the
highwayman. He is portrayed as a shining knight-someone the reader likes and wants to succeed.