1. Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. For example, in the line “The moon was a ghostly galleon,” the repetition of the “g” sound in “ghostly galleon” creates an alliterative effect.
2. Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words close. An example of assonance can be seen in the line “He’d a French cocked-hat on his forehead,” where the long “o” sound is repeated in “French” and “forehead.”
3. Imagery: Noyes employs vivid imagery throughout the poem to create visual and sensory experiences for the reader. The descriptions of the wind, the moon, the highwayman’s appearance, and Bess’s beauty all contribute to the rich imagery of the poem.
4. Metaphor: The use of metaphors to create vivid comparisons. For instance, in the line “The moon was a ghostly galleon,” the moon is metaphorically compared to a ghostly ship, emphasizing its eerie appearance.
5. Onomatopoeia: The use of words that imitate the sounds they represent. In “The Highwayman,” onomatopoeia is evident in phrases such as “tlot-tlot” and “muffled thud,” which evoke the sounds of horses’ hooves and gunshots, respectively.
6. Personification: The attribution of human qualities to non-human entities. Personification is employed when the wind is described as “a torrent of darkness,” giving it a sense of agency and intensity.
7. Repetition: The deliberate repetition of words or phrases for emphasis. For example, the repeated use of “Bess, the landlord’s daughter” reinforces her importance and significance in the poem.

The Highwayman Summary