1. The Ballad tradition

2. Folk ballads
Rhymed verse that is recited or sung, out of local stories and tall tales
During the Middle Ages, balladeers often resembled journalists; ballads often recounted actual events.
Murderous acts and desire for revenge
Tragic accidents and sudden disasters
Heroic deeds and quests for honor
Jealous sweethearts and unrequited love

3. Robin hood Ballad hero: dates back to 15th and 16th centuries
Jesse James has been immortalized as a modern Robin Hood

4. Characteristics
English and Scottish ballads share same characteristics
Dramatization of a single incident
Little reflection or expression of sentiment (focus on telling a story)
Dialogue or questions and answers that further the story
Strong, simple beat and uncomplicated rhyme scheme or pattern
Use of refrain
Use of a burden (modern chorus)
Tendency to suggest
Stories often based on actual events

5. Literary element
Ballad stanza: a quatrain with first and third lines have four stressed syllables and the second and fourth lines have three. Only the second and fourth lines rhyme and repetition of part or full lines is common.

6. Scottish ballads Sir Patrick Spens Bonny Barbra Allan
Get Up and Bar the Door

7. Sir Patrick spens
How does this quatrain maintain the rhythm and rhyme of the ballad stanza?
How would you feel if you were in Sir Patrick’s position?

8. Bonny Barbra Allan What is Graeme’s dying wish?
How does Barbara Allan’s final action reflect the attitudes toward romantic love that were popular during medieval times?

9. Get up and Bar the Door
How does the wife respond to the husband’s order to bar the door?
What can you infer about the wife’s feelings from this response?
What is your response to the wife’s comment?