Form and Structure:
* Narrative: Ballads are primarily storytelling poems. They tell a tale, often with a clear plot and sequence of events.
* Stanza Form: Ballads often use quatrains (four-line stanzas), with an ABAB rhyme scheme.
* Meter: Ballads typically employ a four-beat or eight-beat meter, most commonly iambic tetrameter (four iambic feet per line) or iambic octameter (eight iambic feet per line). An iamb is an unstressed followed by a stressed syllable.
* Refrain: Many ballads include a refrain, a line or phrase that repeats at regular intervals, often at the end of each stanza. This can emphasize themes or provide a sense of continuity.
Content and Style:
* Traditional Themes: Ballads frequently deal with themes of love, death, betrayal, revenge, heroism, or the supernatural.
* Simple Language: The language is typically straightforward and accessible, with a focus on clear storytelling.
* Dialogue: Ballads often include dialogue between characters, which helps to advance the plot and provide insight into the characters' emotions.
* Dramatic Elements: Ballads often use dramatic elements like suspense, conflict, and action to engage the reader.
* Ballad Stanza: Ballads are typically written in ballad stanza, a four-line stanza with an ABCB rhyme scheme, and an alternating pattern of iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter (three iambic feet per line).
Modern Ballads:
* While adhering to the traditional form and content, modern ballads can break from strict rules.
* They may explore contemporary themes and use more complex language and imagery.
* However, they still retain the core elements of storytelling and a focus on narrative.
Examples of Ballads:
* "The Ballad of the Green Berets" by Barry Sadler
* "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" by Oscar Wilde
* "Barbara Allen" (traditional folk ballad)
* "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Remember:
While these are general guidelines, remember that ballads are a flexible form. Many ballads have their own unique characteristics, and some even deviate from these conventions. The most important aspect is the effective storytelling and emotional resonance of the poem.