Introduction
In this article, we will explore the art of writing a ballad, a poetic form that tells a story. Writing a ballad can be challenging due to its strict syllable count and rhyme scheme. However, with the right guidance, you can master this form and create compelling narratives. We will break down the key components of a ballad, including syllable count, rhyme scheme, and storytelling techniques. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to write a ballad that captivates readers.
Understanding the Requirements
To start, it’s important to understand the requirements for writing a ballad. The ballad will be added to your poetry portfolio, alongside limericks and haikus. Unlike limericks and haikus, which have a set number of lines, a ballad consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. It’s crucial to note that having four lines in one stanza does not mean your ballad is complete - it’s only 25% done. To fulfill the requirements, you must have a total of 16 lines spread across four stanzas.
The Syllable Count and Rhyme Scheme
The structure of a ballad involves a specific syllable count and rhyme scheme. Each line in a ballad has a set number of syllables, creating a rhythmic pattern. The syllable count for each line is as follows: line one has eight syllables, line two has six syllables, line three has eight syllables, and line four has six syllables. This pattern repeats for each stanza, resulting in a long-short-long-short rhythm.
As for the rhyme scheme, a common one is A-B-A-B, where the first and third lines rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines. However, there is some variation allowed. The third line can be different and rhyme with another line (C), providing flexibility in the rhyme scheme. Personally, I find an A-B-C-B rhyme scheme easier to work with, but you can choose whichever scheme fits your ballad’s demands.
Crafting a Narrative
The essence of a ballad lies in its storytelling. It is a narrative poem that takes the reader on a journey. Therefore, your ballad must have a compelling story or event that unfolds throughout the verses. Let’s take a look at an example to understand this better:
“Though I am old and wandering through hollow hilly lands, I will find out where she has gone and kiss her lips and hands. And walk along long dappled grass and pluck till time is done, The Silver Apples of the Moon and Gold pairs of the Sun.”
In this example, we see an old protagonist searching for his lady love. The verses paint a picture of him wandering through landscapes, determined to find her. The narrative adds depth and captivates the reader’s attention.
Analyzing the Example
To delve deeper into the technical aspects of a ballad, let’s analyze the example stanza. We will focus on syllable count and the rhyme scheme. Here’s a breakdown:
“Though I am old and wandering” - 8 syllables “Through hollow hilly lands” - 6 syllables “I will find out where she has gone” - 8 syllables “And kiss her lips and hands” - 6 syllables
As we can see, the syllable count follows the prescribed long-short-long-short pattern. Additionally, we can observe the A-B-A-B rhyme scheme: “lands - hands” and “gone - lips.”
Enhancing Your Ballad
To make your ballad more engaging and creative, there are several techniques you can employ. Firstly, consider using descriptive language and imagery to evoke emotions and vividly portray scenes. For instance, in the example stanza, we saw the use of adjectives like “hollow” and “hilly” to enhance the imagery.
Additionally, you can experiment with word choice and adapt lines to fit the syllable count. For example, instead of using the word “until,” you can use the contraction “till” to maintain the six-syllable requirement. This allows you to keep the desired rhythm without compromising the content.
Furthermore, don’t be afraid to explore different tones in your ballad. While ballads are traditionally serious, you can also write humorous or playful ones. The key is to maintain the prescribed syllable count and rhyme scheme while weaving an engaging story.
Expanding Your Ballad Writing Skills
To further improve your ballad writing skills, it can be helpful to refer to existing examples. The video mentioned an example called “Miss Ball,” where the author wrote a ballad about an incident involving their injured leg. This example showcases the eight-six-eight-six syllable count and the A-B-A-B rhyme scheme following the author’s choice of ABA B. Reading through existing ballads can inspire you and provide insights into different storytelling techniques.
Conclusion
Writing a ballad requires a careful balance of syllable count, rhyme scheme, and storytelling ability. By adhering to the prescribed structure and using creative techniques, you can create engaging narrative poems that captivate readers. Remember to experiment with language, imagery, and different tones to infuse your ballads with your unique voice. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance or explore existing examples to enhance your skills. With practice and dedication, you can master the art of writing ballads and add a meaningful addition to your poetry portfolio.
