A literary ballad is a narrative poem that follows a specific structure and often tells a

story with elements of folklore, legend, or myth. Unlike traditional ballads, which are
usually passed down orally and have a more fluid structure, literary ballads are
deliberately crafted by a single author and are considered part of the literary canon.
Here's an example of a literary ballad and an analysis of its key characteristics:
Example: "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Why it's a literary ballad: "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is considered a literary
ballad because it was written by a single author, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and was
intentionally created as a work of literature. Unlike traditional ballads, which often
evolved through oral transmission, Coleridge's poem is a literary invention.
Basis: The poem is based on the folklore and superstitions associated with sailors and
the sea. It draws on themes of guilt, redemption, and the supernatural, common
elements in literary ballads.
Imagery: Coleridge's poem is rich in vivid and symbolic imagery. It describes the eerie,
ghostly ship, the desolate ocean, and the supernatural elements, such as the ghostly
crew and the curse of the dead albatross. These images contribute to the eerie and
otherworldly atmosphere of the poem.
Point of View (POV): The poem is primarily written in the first-person point of view, with
the mariner narrating his own harrowing experiences. This intimate perspective allows
readers to connect with the mariner's feelings of guilt and isolation.
Subject: The subject of "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is the mariner's journey and
the consequences of his actions. After shooting an albatross, a bird considered an
omen of good luck by the crew, the mariner and his shipmates are cursed. The mariner
is then forced to endure a series of supernatural trials and ultimately learns the
importance of respecting nature and all living things. The poem explores themes of sin,
redemption, and the spiritual journey of the mariner.
In summary, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a classic example of a literary ballad
that incorporates folklore, vivid imagery, a first-person narrative perspective, and a
compelling narrative about the consequences of human actions. It remains a significant
work in English literature and exemplifies many of the characteristics associated with
the literary ballad genre.

A traditional or folk ballad is a narrative poem or song that tells a story, often about a
tragic or heroic event, and is typically passed down orally through generations. These
ballads are usually characterized by their simple, repetitive structure, and they often use
common themes and motifs. Let's look at an example of a traditional or folk ballad and
explore its literary aspects:
Example: "The Ballad of Barbara Allen"
Why it is a Literary Ballad: "The Ballad of Barbara Allen" is considered a literary ballad
because it has been transcribed and recorded in written form and is often attributed to a
specific author, although it likely originated from oral tradition. It was first published in
the 17th century and has since been preserved in written collections.
Basis: The basis of this ballad is a tragic love story. It tells the tale of a young man who
is dying of unrequited love for Barbara Allen. He calls for her to come and see him on
his deathbed, but she rejects him. In the end, they both die, and their love is never
realized.
Imagery: "The Ballad of Barbara Allen" uses vivid imagery to convey the emotions and
the tragic nature of the story. For example, it describes the pale and deathly appearance
of the young man, the red rose and the thorn representing the love and pain between
the two lovers, and the bleak landscape where they are buried side by side.
Point of View (POV): The ballad is written in the third person omniscient point of view.
This means that the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all the characters
involved. The narrator tells the story from a somewhat distant perspective, which allows
for a sense of objectivity in recounting the events.
Subject: The subject of the ballad is unrequited love and its tragic consequences. It
explores themes of love, rejection, and mortality. The ballad captures the emotions of
the characters and the sense of inevitability in their fate, making it a poignant and
timeless tale.
In summary, "The Ballad of Barbara Allen" is a literary ballad that originated from oral
tradition but has been preserved in written form. It tells a tragic love story with vivid
imagery, employs a third-person omniscient point of view, and explores themes of love,
rejection, and mortality. This ballad serves as an example of how traditional and folk
ballads can be both simple and deeply impactful in their storytelling.

Robin Hood and the Butcher

Now, let's break down the characteristics of this broadside ballad and explain why it is
considered a literary ballad:
Literary Ballad Characteristics:
Simplified Language and Structure: Broadside ballads typically use simple and
accessible language and often follow a regular rhyme and meter scheme, making them
easy for a broad audience to understand and enjoy.
Printed Format: Unlike traditional oral ballads, broadside ballads were printed and
distributed, which allowed them to reach a wider audience and become a form of
popular entertainment.
Basis:
The basis of a broadside ballad is often a traditional folk story or legend. In the example
provided, it tells a story related to the legendary English outlaw Robin Hood. These
stories were well-known in oral tradition and were adapted into written form for
dissemination.
Imagery:
Broadside ballads often include vivid and sometimes exaggerated imagery to capture
the reader's or listener's imagination. In the example, phrases like "jolly young butcher,"
"green sauce," and "delicate toss-pot" create colorful mental images.
Point of View (POV):
The point of view in broadside ballads can vary. In some ballads, the narrator may be a
character within the story, while in others, a third-person omniscient narrator might
provide an objective perspective. In "Robin Hood and the Butcher," the narrator takes
on an observational role, recounting the events involving Robin Hood and the butcher.
Subject:
The subject of a broadside ballad is typically a narrative story or event. In this case, the
subject is the encounter between Robin Hood and the butcher, highlighting Robin
Hood's legendary status as a skilled and cunning outlaw.
Broadside ballads served as a means of both entertainment and information
dissemination in the pre-modern era. They often conveyed stories of heroes, villains,
love, and adventure, making them a valuable cultural and literary form of expression
during their time.