Epics And Ballads

What is a narrative poem?

A narrative poem tells a story with characters, plot, and setting, similar to prose fiction; it combines storytelling with poetic form.

What are the main types of narrative poetry?

The main types include ballads, epics, and other narrative poems such as metrical romances or verse tales; each type differs in tone, length, and subject matter.

What is a ballad?

A ballad is a narrative poem meant to be sung, often telling stories of love, tragedy, or adventure; it usually has simple language and repeated refrains.

What are the features of a traditional ballad?

Traditional ballads have regular rhythm, repetition, refrains, and dialogue; they focus on dramatic events rather than description.

What is the structure of a ballad stanza?

Ballad stanzas often follow a four-line pattern (quatrain) with alternating four- and three-beat lines, usually rhyming abcb or abab.

What are literary ballads?

Literary ballads are written by known poets who imitate the style of traditional ballads; they are more polished and artistic.

Give an example of a literary ballad.

‘La Belle Dame sans Merci’ by John Keats; it follows the ballad form but with richer imagery and symbolic meaning.

What is an epic poem?

An epic is a long narrative poem celebrating heroic deeds or historical events; it features grand themes, elevated language, and supernatural elements.

What are the characteristics of an epic hero?

An epic hero is brave, strong, and noble, often representing the values of their culture; they usually face immense challenges and show moral courage.

What are examples of famous epics?

Examples include Homer’s ‘Iliad’ and ‘Odyssey’, Virgil’s ‘Aeneid’, and Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’; each depicts a hero’s journey or struggle.

What are the two types of epics?

Traditional (oral) epics like the ‘Iliad’ and literary (written) epics like ‘Paradise Lost’; traditional ones originate from oral tradition.

What is the function of the invocation to the muse in epics?

It is an opening plea to divine inspiration, asking for guidance in telling the story; it sets the tone and announces the theme.

What is a mock epic?

A mock epic imitates the form of an epic but treats trivial subjects humorously; e.g. Pope’s ‘The Rape of the Lock’.

What are metrical romances?

Metrical romances are long narrative poems from medieval times focusing on love, chivalry, and adventure; e.g. ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’.

What distinguishes narrative poetry from lyric poetry?

Narrative poetry tells a story with plot and characters, while lyric poetry expresses emotions or thoughts of the speaker.

How does language function in ballads and epics?

Ballads use simple and repetitive language for oral transmission; epics use elevated diction and formal structure for grandeur.

What is the purpose of repetition in ballads?

Repetition helps memorization and creates rhythm and emphasis; it also heightens emotional impact.

What is meant by ‘oral tradition’?

Oral tradition refers to stories and poems passed down by word of mouth before being written; common in early narrative poetry.

What themes are common in narrative poetry?

Love, bravery, fate, betrayal, and the struggle between good and evil; often illustrating moral or social values.

What makes narrative poetry different from prose narratives?

It uses verse, rhythm, and imagery to heighten storytelling; it condenses events while maintaining poetic beauty.