Poetic Form of the Week – Ballad

Centuries-old in practice, the composition of ballads began in the European folk tradition, in many cases accompanied by musical instruments. Ballads were not originally transcribed, but rather preserved orally for generations, passed along through recitation. Their subject matter dealt with religious themes, love, tragedy, domestic crimes, and sometimes even political propaganda. A typical ballad is a plot-driven song, with one or more characters hurriedly unfurling … Continue reading Poetic Form of the Week – Ballad