The Lady of Shalott is a classic example of a ballad, originally a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Here's a snippet:
> On either side the river lie
> Long fields of barley and of rye,
> That cloathe the wold and meet the sky;
> And thro' the field the road runs by
> To many-tower'd Camelot;
> And up and down the people go,
> Gazing where the lilies blow
> Round an island there below,
> The island of Shalott.
This excerpt showcases several key characteristics of a ballad:
* Simple language and a strong narrative: The poem uses straightforward language, describing a specific scene and setting.
* Focus on a single event: The ballad centers around the story of the Lady of Shalott and her isolation on her island.
* Repetition and rhyme scheme: The repeated phrases "On either side the river lie" and "And thro' the field the road runs by" create a sense of rhythm and memorability.
* Traditional themes: The ballad explores themes of love, fate, and the dangers of breaking societal norms.
Other famous examples of ballads include:
* "Barbara Allen" - a traditional English folk ballad about a love triangle and a tragic death.
* "The Highwayman" - a dramatic ballad by Alfred Noyes that tells the story of a highwayman and his love.
* "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" - a long and complex ballad by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, filled with supernatural elements and moral lessons.
These examples highlight the enduring appeal of ballads, which continue to capture our imaginations through their simple yet powerful storytelling.