The Ballad Part of the oral tradition Stories passed down from generation to generation

Oral Tradition Many people still illiterate Like stained glass, ballads were used to reach illiterate population

Introduced Rhyme Roses are red Violets are blue Sugar is sweet Ballads typically contain 4 line stanzas (known as quatrains) The lines rhyme at the end, usually on the second and fourth lines Roses are red Violets are blue Sugar is sweet And so are you

Ballads are narrative poems meant to be sung Narrative means that it tells a story Emphasis is on plot Little character development Little expression of sentiment Sometimes suggestive, offers folk wisdom

Subject Matter Like songs today, ballads tell stories about characters who faced challenges in life and in love

Common Themes Tragic Accidents Sudden Disasters Murderous Acts Desire for Revenge Suicide Humorous Arguments Heroic Deeds Quests for Honor Jealous Sweethearts Unrequited Love

Characteristics Ballads often dramatize a single incident are based on actual events contain dialogue have a refrain or repeated line suggest some folk wisdom

A Picture of the Times Life was ½ over by age 18 Because of this, we sometimes see a cynical, unsentimental view of life reflected in ballads

Folk Ballads American ballads are often associated with cowboys, folk heroes, mountain people of Tennessee or Kentucky, or outlaws such as Jessie James or Billy the Kid.

Folk Ballads In the 1960’s and 1970’s, folk ballads gained popularity. Singers such as Joan Baez and Bob Dylan became known for their ballads

Literary Ballad Literary Ballads Literary ballads are composed and written down by known poets, usually in the style of folk ballads.