Here's why:
* Tells a story: The poem narrates a conversation between a farmer and his wife, revealing the complex story of their former hired man, Silas.
* Focus on plot: The poem unfolds events and the characters' reactions to them, driving the narrative forward.
* Character development: The poem explores the characters' emotions, motivations, and relationships, adding depth to the narrative.
* Dialogue: The poem uses dialogue extensively to move the story along and reveal the characters' perspectives.
While "The Death of the Hired Man" exhibits elements of other types of poetry (like its thoughtful tone and the themes of loss and human relationships), its core structure and focus on storytelling solidify it as a narrative poem.