What is a ballad stanza?

• A. A two-line verse that rhymes
• B. A four-line stanza with alternating stress patterns
• C. A poem that tells a story
• D. A stanza that contains six lines

Answer: (B)

A ballad stanza is characterized by a specific structure that includes four lines, typically following an alternating rhyme scheme. The most common form is an ABCB pattern, where the second and fourth lines rhyme. This structure often features alternating stress patterns: the first and third lines usually have four stresses, while the second and fourth lines often contain three stresses.

In the context of its function, the ballad stanza is commonly used in narrative poetry to tell a story, which contributes to the confusion with other options that relate to storytelling or line counts. However, it’s the distinct four-line structure and rhythmic qualities that define a ballad stanza distinctly. This form has been widely used throughout literary history to narrate tales of love, tragedy, or adventure, making it a crucial component of the ballad tradition in poetry.