Here's why:
* Narrative: It tells a story, focusing on the journey of Sir Patrick Spens and his tragic fate.
* Simple Language: The language is relatively simple and direct, using common vocabulary and straightforward syntax.
* Repetition and Stanza Structure: It employs repetition of phrases and lines, often in a four-line stanza structure.
* Focus on Emotion: The ballad emphasizes emotions like grief, fear, and despair, creating a strong emotional impact.
* Folk Tradition: Ballads often originated in oral tradition, passed down through generations, and Sir Patrick Spens displays some of these characteristics.
While ballads can be further categorized into different sub-genres, Sir Patrick Spens is generally classified as a traditional ballad due to its historical origins and focus on themes common in the genre.