Ballads from the Middle Ages

Lesson Questions for Today: (You do not need to answer these questions. They are here to guide you)

* What is a ballad?
* What are some well-known ballads from the Middle Ages?

Review page 108 in your text book for the full history and definition of a ballad.

The definition of a ballad:

A song or songlike poem

Sensational or tragic subject matter

Omitted details

Supernatural events

A refrain (a repeated word, line, or group of lines)

Read the famous ballad from the Middle Ages: Lord Randall on page 109.
I strongly suggest that you click the bullhorn graphic at the top of the poem to hear it read. It is much easier to understand if you do so!

The ballad is made up of a conversation between a mother and her son. The son has returned from a long day, and the mother senses that something is wrong. She keeps asking questions to figure out what has happened.
Assignment:

After you have listened to and read the poem, please explain which parts of the poem make it a ballad. For instance, what are the sensational and tragic things that happen in the poem? This will show me that you understand what a ballad is, and that you understand what Lord Randall is about. If you are having difficulty understanding the poem, let me know, and I will help you.