Structure:
* Quatrains: Ballads are typically written in quatrains (four-line stanzas).
* Alternating rhyme scheme: The most common rhyme scheme is ABAB, though some ballads use ABCB or other variations.
* Simple, repetitive language: The language is generally straightforward and easy to understand, with some repetition for emphasis.
* Refrain: Many ballads include a recurring refrain (a line or stanza that repeats throughout the poem).
Content:
* Narrative focus: Ballads tell a story, often a tale of love, loss, adventure, or tragedy.
* Dramatic events: The stories often involve dramatic or exciting events, sometimes even supernatural elements.
* Focus on dialogue: Dialogue is often included to enhance the story and reveal the characters' emotions.
* Simple characters: Characters are usually simple and archetypal, representing universal human experiences.
* Moral or message: Ballads often convey a moral lesson or message about life, love, or the human condition.
Example:
Here's a simple example of a ballad structure:
_The wind howled wild, the rain fell fast,
A sailor's tale, his ship did mast,
He told of storms and ocean deep,
Where hidden treasures secrets keep._
Appearance:
While the structure and content give a ballad its character, it doesn't dictate a specific visual appearance. Ballads can be formatted in a variety of ways:
* Traditional ballad: Stanzas are often indented, and the refrain is set apart from the main stanzas.
* Modern ballad: More contemporary ballads might use a more free-form style, with varying line lengths and stanza structures.
Ultimately, the "look" of a ballad depends on the poet's personal style and the desired effect. However, the key elements of structure, content, and language contribute to the unique feel and impact of this poetic form.