1. The Traditional Ballad
A Poetic Form from the Middle Ages

2. Form Regular stanza form: 2-line, 4-line, or 8-line
May include a refrain, or the refrain may be part of the stanza structure
Regular rhyme scheme: AABB or ABAB
Regular rhythm
Repetition of lines or parts of lines;

3. Narrative Full of "unanswered questions"
Begins in medias res, in the middle of plot: the motives, time, and place will be unclear
Ends abruptly, often leaving unanswered questions
Lacks descriptive detail, including character traits
Simplifies emotion, often leaving its interpretation up the reader.

4. Techniques used to develop the narrative
Dialogue: often in question-answer format, generally alternates between two speakers
3rd person, limited narration (limited to the knowledge of what happens in the ballad)
Lack of comment from narrator
Anticipation as events escalate rapidly to an ending.

5. Subject Matter
Common themes—death, greed, murder, courage, love, loyalty, carelessness, and the supernatural. They often are concerned with the most basic needs, actions, and fears of man.
No attempt at a "happy ending" - in fact, endings are often sad, lonely, and unpleasant for one or all the "characters."
Originally produced as songs. Traveling balladeers would journey from village to village, singing songs that gave news and information to rural peoples.

6. “Edward” Label the following: The refrain Question/Answer
The Unhappy Ending
Elements that build anticipation
Repetition
Rhyme Scheme