The Highwayman - Lesson 12 - Similes PowerPoint

In Lesson 12, students delve into the literary device of similes, focusing on their use in "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes. The objectives are twofold: to understand how similes create vivid imagery in poetry, and to learn how to craft their own similes to enhance descriptive writing. A simile is explained as a comparison between two different things, typically using the words 'as' or 'like'. For example, the simple sentence "George ran away" can be transformed into a more evocative image by saying "George ran like a fox chased by a pack of hungry hounds." This not only provides a clearer picture but also makes the writing more engaging and effective.

The lesson encourages students to explore the power of similes in "The Highwayman," where Noyes uses them to add depth and interest. Examples from the poem, such as "His hair like mouldy hay" and "The hours crawled by like years," illustrate how similes can convey emotions and characteristics vividly. Students are tasked with identifying six similes within the poem and discussing their effects and contributions to the poem's atmosphere with their teacher. To apply their understanding, students are then prompted to complete sentences with their own similes, and finally, share and explain their choices in a plenary session, thereby reinforcing their comprehension and creative use of this literary device.