A ballad poem is a narrative poem that tells a story, often in a lyrical and musical way. It typically follows a specific rhyme scheme and rhythm, and is often passed down orally through generations. One example of a ballad poem is John Keats’s “La Belle Dame sans Merci.”
In “La Belle Dame sans Merci,” Keats tells the story of a knight who falls in love with a beautiful and mysterious woman. The poem begins with the knight recounting his encounter with the lady, who bewitches him with her beauty and leads him to a dream-like world. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the lady is not what she seems. She is described as being “wild-eyed” and possessing “a faery’s child,” hinting at her supernatural nature.
The ballad form of the poem is evident in its simple and repetitive structure. Each stanza consists of four lines, with an alternating rhyme scheme (ABCB). This repetition creates a musical quality to the poem, enhancing its storytelling aspect. The rhythm is also consistent, with a strong emphasis on the second and fourth lines of each stanza.
Another example of a ballad poem is Thomas Hardy’s “During Wind and Rain.” This poem tells the story of a family’s life over the course of several years, focusing on the joys and sorrows they experience. The poem begins with a description of a happy and carefree family picnic, but as the poem progresses, the tone shifts as the family members age and face the hardships of life.
Hardy’s use of ballad form in “During Wind and Rain” is evident in its consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme. The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The use of repetition and musicality in the poem adds to its storytelling quality, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the narrative.
Lastly, Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee” is another notable example of a ballad poem. This poem tells the tragic tale of a young man’s love for a woman named Annabel Lee. The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of love beyond death.
Poe’s use of ballad form in “Annabel Lee” is characterized by its repetitive structure and musicality. The poem follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, with each stanza consisting of six lines. The repetition of certain phrases, such as “In this kingdom by the sea” and “the moon never beams without bringing me dreams,” creates a haunting and melodic quality to the poem.
Ballad poems are narrative poems that tell a story in a lyrical and musical way. Examples like John Keats’s “La Belle Dame sans Merci,” Thomas Hardy’s “During Wind and Rain,” and Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee” demonstrate the use of ballad form in conveying compelling narratives through repetition, rhyme, and rhythm.