1. The Power of Love: The deep and passionate love between the highwayman and Bess, despite the danger and societal barriers they face, emphasizes the transformative power of love in overcoming obstacles and uniting individuals.
2. Sacrifice for Love: The highwayman's willingness to sacrifice his own life to save Bess showcases the depth of his love and his commitment to protecting her. This action highlights the lengths some individuals are willing to go for those they love.
3. The Inevitability of Fate: The poem underscores the notion that fate and destiny play a significant role in shaping our lives. Despite their efforts to evade capture and be together, the highwayman and Bess are ultimately confronted by the tragic hand of fate.
4. The Transience of Life: The poem's ending reminds us of life's fleeting nature and the impermanence of human existence. The characters' lives, passions, and pursuits fade with time, leaving only memories and the lingering impact of their actions.
5. The Value of Memories: Even though the highwayman and Bess's physical presence may be gone, their love for each other lives on in the memories and stories shared among people who knew and were affected by their tale. This highlights the enduring nature of memories and the impact they have on our collective consciousness.
Overall, the actions in "The Highwayman" convey profound themes about love, fate, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of human experiences in the face of time's passage.