Table of Contents
Why was the highwayman killed?
Betrayed to the authorities by Tim, a jealous ostler, the highwayman escapes ambush when Bess sacrifices her life to warn him. Learning of her death, he is killed in a futile attempt at revenge (“so they shot him down on the highway, like a dog upon the highway”).
Who was to blame for the tragedy in the poem the highwayman?
Tim the ostler is primarily responsible for the tragedy of the death of Bess and of the highwayman, informing “King George’s men” about when the highwayman will return. In part 2 of the poem, the “red coat troop” arrives. These soldiers are the ones directly responsible for the tragedy.
How did the highwayman feel when Bess died?
The highwayman loves Bess just as passionately. After hearing of her death, he makes good on his promise to return. The highwayman too is overwhelmed by his love, and like Bess’s final moments, his have religious overtones.
Why did the Highwayman go back to the inn?
Stanza Nine And he lay in his blood on the highway, with a bunch of lace at his throat. The highwayman goes back to the inn the next day after hearing what happened to Bess. He’s terribly angry and feels as though he should take revenge. He rides and curses the sky.
How was Bess treated by the Redcoats?
The red-coat soldiers also taunt Bess as they tie a musket under her breast. “ ‘Now, keep good watch! ‘ and they kissed her.” The soldiers probably plan to use Bess as bait: once the highwayman comes in to see her, they can force him to comply with them.
Was the Highwayman a hero or a villain?
What does the Highwayman do after he learns of Bess’s death? He rides back to the Redcoats and they kill him. How are the last stanzas different from the rest and why would the author do that? The last stanzas are italicized and told as an epilogue to the story.
How is Bess alerted that the highwayman is approaching?
How is Bess first alerted that the highwayman is approaching? She hears the horse hoofs in the distance.
What did the highwayman promise Bess?
The highwayman tells Bess that he’s going out to make a robbery, but should be back before morning. He promises her that, even if he has to go on the run, he’ll return to her the next night: I’ll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way!
How did Bess warn her lover of danger?
How did Bess warn her lover of danger? The King’s men kidnapped Bess and use her as bait. The men tied her up and kept a musket near her, taunting her to keep guard.