1. Story-Telling Structure:
* Clear Beginning, Middle, and End: The poem follows a classic story arc. It opens with the introduction of Lochinvar and the wedding he crashes ("On that day, that joyful day, / When the Knight had won the maid"). The middle develops the conflict - Lochinvar's bold intervention and the dramatic dance. The end resolves the conflict with Lochinvar's triumphant escape with his beloved.
* Progression of Events: The poem unfolds chronologically, presenting the sequence of events in a logical order, building towards a climax and ultimate resolution.
* Characters and Plot: The poem centers around characters (Lochinvar, Ellen, and the Bridegroom) and their actions, motivations, and interactions. The plot revolves around the central conflict of Lochinvar’s daring attempt to win Ellen back.
2. Ballad Form:
* Regular Rhythm and Rhyme: The ballad form is characterized by a distinct rhythm and rhyme scheme (usually ABCB or ABAB). This regular structure enhances the musicality of the poem and helps to memorize and transmit the story.
* Focus on Dialogue: The poem features extensive dialogue, particularly between Lochinvar and Ellen. This dialogue advances the plot and reveals character traits.
* Repetitions and Refrains: The poem uses repetition and refrains to emphasize key ideas and create a sense of urgency. The line "And he's to win his bride to-day" is repeated, adding a dramatic tension.
3. Poetic Language:
* Vivid Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the setting and events, such as "His spur was to the steed so red, / His helmet to his brow," and "the bride had fastened, with her own fair hand, / A snow-white wreath around the Knight's proud head."
* Figurative Language: The poem employs figurative language like metaphors and similes to create a more evocative and memorable experience. For example, the simile "She looked down to blush, and she looked up to sigh, / With a smile on her lips, and a tear in her eye," creates a powerful visual image of Ellen's conflicted emotions.
* Dramatic Tone: The language of the poem, particularly the use of strong verbs and exclamations, creates a dramatic tone that intensifies the emotional impact of the story.
These structural elements, combined with the narrative content, solidify Sir Walter Lochinvar as a narrative poem. It uses the poetic form to tell a compelling story, captivating the reader with its action, characters, and emotional resonance.