Ballad in poetry

A ballad is a form of narrative poetry that has its roots in the oral tradition. It typically tells a story in a simple and direct manner, often focused on themes of love, tragedy, adventure, or folk legends. Ballads are usually written in a song-like structure and were originally intended to be sung or recited aloud.

Read also: Diction in poetry

Types of ballad in poetry

In poetry, there are two main types of ballads: the traditional or folk ballad and the literary or broadside ballad. Each type has its distinct characteristics and origins. Let’s explore each of them:

Traditional or Folk Ballad:

A traditional or folk ballad is a type of narrative poem that originates from the oral tradition and has been passed down through generations by word of mouth. These ballads were sung or recited by common people, and their authors are often unknown, leading to their anonymous nature. They are a part of the folklore of various cultures and have been preserved through oral transmission.

Characteristics of Traditional or Folk Ballads:

1. Narrative Structure: Traditional ballads tell a story, often with a clear beginning, middle, and end. They focus on themes such as love, tragedy, heroism, adventure, and folklore.
2. Simple Language: The language used in traditional ballads is typically straightforward and uncomplicated. The emphasis is on storytelling and emotional impact.
3. Quatrains: Traditional ballads usually consist of quatrains, which are four-line stanzas. Each stanza often follows a specific rhyme scheme, such as ABAB or ABCB.
4. Repetition: Repetition is a common feature in traditional ballads. Lines, phrases, or entire stanzas may be repeated, adding to the ballad’s musical and mnemonic qualities.
5. Regular Meter: Traditional ballads often have a distinct meter, with lines following a specific pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. Common meters include iambic and anapestic.
6. Ballad Refrain: Some traditional ballads include a refrain—a repeated line or set of lines—that appears at the end of each stanza or between verses. The refrain serves as a chorus and adds to the ballad’s musicality.
7. Anonymous Authorship: Traditional ballads were created by the collective creativity of the people rather than by individual authors. As a result, their origins often cannot be attributed to a specific person.
8. Oral Transmission: These ballads were passed down orally from one generation to another, helping to preserve cultural history and traditions.

Examples of traditional ballads include “Barbara Allen,” “The Ballad of Tam Lin,” “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (although this one is also considered a literary ballad), and “Bonnie George Campbell.”

Traditional ballads have been an essential part of the folklore and cultural heritage of many societies, offering insights into historical events, social values, and human experiences. They continue to be appreciated and studied for their simplicity, emotional impact, and connection to the past.

Literary or Broadside Ballad:

A literary or broadside ballad is a type of ballad that emerged later in history and is distinct from traditional folk ballads. Unlike traditional ballads, literary ballads are written by known authors and are typically printed on broadsides—single sheets of paper with ballad lyrics and sometimes accompanied by woodcut illustrations. These broadsides were sold in the streets and at public events, making the ballads accessible to a broader audience. Literary ballads often imitated the style and structure of traditional ballads but were created for more formal literary purposes.

Characteristics of Literary or Broadside Ballads:

1. Written by Known Authors: Literary ballads are composed by identified poets or writers. They are often part of a deliberate artistic creation and are not products of the oral tradition.
2. Printed on Broadsides: The term “broadside” refers to the large sheet of paper on which the ballad was printed. These broadsides were cheap and easily distributed, making the ballads popular among the general public.
3. Formal Literary Style: Literary ballads typically adhere to a more formal and polished style compared to traditional ballads. They may use elevated language and complex poetic techniques.
4. Regular Meter and Rhyme: Similar to traditional ballads, literary ballads often follow a specific meter and rhyme scheme, contributing to their musicality.
5. Wide Range of Subjects: Literary ballads cover a wide range of subjects, including historical events, political commentaries, sensational news, romantic tales, and fictional stories.
6. Entertainment and News Dissemination: Literary ballads were used for entertainment and as a means of spreading news and information to the general public.
7. Individual Authorship: Unlike traditional ballads, literary ballads are attributed to specific authors who crafted them with conscious artistry and intention.

Notable examples of literary ballads include “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” by Oscar Wilde. These ballads are well-known for their literary merit and contributions to the broader body of poetic works.

While literary ballads share some similarities with traditional ballads in terms of structure and themes, their origins, authorship, and modes of dissemination set them apart in the realm of poetry and literary history.

Functions of ballad in poetry

Ballads serve several important functions in poetry, which contribute to their enduring popularity and significance in literary traditions. The functions of ballads in poetry are:

1. Storytelling: Ballads are primarily narrative poems, and their main function is to tell stories. Through vivid imagery, simple language, and engaging plots, ballads captivate the audience and transport them into the world of the narrative. They have historically been a means of passing down stories, legends, and historical events from one generation to another.
2. Preservation of Culture and Folklore: Traditional ballads, especially, play a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage and folklore of a community or society. They often embody the values, beliefs, and traditions of a particular culture, providing insights into the customs and historical context of the people.
3. Emotional Impact: Ballads are known for evoking strong emotions in the reader or listener. Whether conveying themes of love, tragedy, heroism, or loss, ballads can stir empathy and a deep connection with the characters and events in the story.
4. Oral Tradition and Performance: Traditionally, ballads were part of the oral tradition, meant to be sung or recited aloud. They were often performed in social gatherings, at festivals, or during communal events. As a result, ballads fostered a sense of community and shared experience among the audience.
5. Musicality and Rhythm: Ballads are characterized by their musical qualities, including regular meter, rhyme, and often a refrain or repeated lines. This musicality enhances the memorability of the poem and facilitates its oral transmission from one person to another.
6. Commentary and Social Critique: Some literary ballads serve as a means of commentary on contemporary social and political issues. They can be used to express criticism, raise awareness, or advocate for certain causes.
7. Entertainment and Education: Ballads have been a source of entertainment for centuries, offering readers and listeners an engaging and pleasurable experience. Moreover, they can educate the audience about historical events, cultural practices, and moral lessons.
8. Artistic Expression: For poets and writers, ballads offer a versatile form of artistic expression. They allow authors to experiment with storytelling techniques, rhyme, and meter while conveying powerful emotions and themes.
9. Endurance and Adaptability: Ballads have proven their enduring appeal over time, as they continue to be adapted, reinvented, and referenced in various artistic forms, such as music, theater, and literature.