What is ballad in literature?
A ballad is a type of narrative poem or song that tells a story in a simple, direct style. Ballads are often written in quatrains, with the second and fourth lines rhyming, and feature a regular rhythm or meter. The content of a ballad usually centers on a specific event, such as a tragic love story, a heroic deed, or a historical event.
Ballads have been a popular form of storytelling for centuries, with many traditional ballads passed down through generations by oral tradition. Some of the most famous ballads in English literature include “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” by Oscar Wilde.
In addition to their literary value, ballads have also played an important role in music, particularly in folk and popular music traditions. Many classic folk songs, such as “Scarborough Fair” and “The House of the Rising Sun,” are ballads, and the structure and style of the ballad have influenced countless other popular songs and musical genres.
Overall, the ballad is a versatile and enduring form of storytelling that continues to captivate audiences with its simplicity, directness, and timeless themes.
