The Highwayman To diffuse a text to learn

“The Highwayman” • To diffuse a text to learn vocabulary • To analyze a poem for narrative elements and poetic devices

18 th Century During this time there were men who would ride the roads at night in search of wealthy people to rob. These men were called highwaymen.

On Your Copy of the Poem Listen as I read the poem. Mark the poem using metacognitive markers: ? For questions ! For reactions • For comments Partner up to share your reactions.

Vocabulary Diffusing torrent, gusty, and moor are in the first stanza Circle those words. Read the text WITHOUT THEM. Based on the surrounding words, what could these words mean? Check your definitions in the dictionary.

Practice Diffusing Identify the words located in the stanza assigned to you. Use the diffusion strategy to define those words. As we reread the poem, we will share our definitions and write them above the word in the poem.

Setting Describe the setting. How has language changed since this poem was written. How do the poem’s themes relate to its setting, both geographically and historically. Refer to the “About the Author” box for information about the time period in which he lived.

Summarizing In 2 – 3 sentences, summarize the poem.

Analysis Reread the poem to identify metaphors and images in the first four stanzas that create a mood of foreboding and that foreshadow danger. What specific events that occur later in the poem are being foreshadowed?

Sentence Length The poet uses sentences of varying length to create rhythm and drama. Find several examples, and see how they affect the author’s message.

Repetition • Locate the repeated words and phrases. • Are there refrains? • Why would the poet choose to echo these words and phrases? • What is the effect of the repetition?

Compare and Contrast “Casey at the Bat” Element Being Compared Diction that helps to convey meaning Poetic elements “The Highwayman”

Essential Question • How do literary devices enhance a text?

Revisit Narrative Poem Map Narrative poem