As a field expert in literature, I can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the main characteristics of a ballad. Ballads are a form of narrative poetry that has been a significant part of oral and written traditions across various cultures. They often tell a story, typically involving a dramatic event or a heroic tale, and are characterized by a few key features:


1. Narrative Structure: Ballads are stories in verse, often recounting a single event or a series of events in a chronological order. They are designed to be easily memorized and recited, making them a staple of oral tradition.


2. Rhyme and Stanza: Ballads typically use a specific stanzaic structure known as the ballad stanza, which consists of four lines with a rhyme scheme of either ABBA or ABCB. This structure contributes to the ease of memorization and the rhythmic quality of the verse.


3. Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated as songs, meant to be sung or recited aloud. This oral tradition means that ballads often have a strong rhythm and are composed in a way that makes them easy to remember and retell.


4. Folklore and Heroes: Ballads often feature elements of folklore, myth, or legend, and frequently center around a heroic figure or a tragic event. The characters in ballads are often larger than life, embodying virtues or vices in a way that makes them memorable and relatable.


5. Emotional Resonance: Ballads are designed to evoke strong emotions in the listener or reader. They often deal with themes of love, loss, courage, and tragedy, which resonate with universal human experiences.


6. Simple Language: The language used in ballads is usually straightforward and accessible, allowing for easy comprehension by a wide audience. This simplicity is part of what makes ballads so effective as a storytelling medium.

7.
Refrains: Some ballads include a refrain, which is a line or group of lines that is repeated after each stanza. This repetition serves to reinforce the central themes and make the ballad more memorable.

8.
Musical Accompaniment: While not a requirement, many ballads are set to music. The melody can enhance the emotional impact of the story and make the ballad more engaging to an audience.

9.
Cultural Significance: Ballads often reflect the values, beliefs, and concerns of the society in which they were created. They can offer insights into historical events, social norms, and cultural practices.

10.
Variability: Ballads are not static; they can change and evolve as they are passed down through generations. Different versions of the same ballad can exist, each with its own unique variations and interpretations.

Now, let's move on to the translation of the above points into Chinese.

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That is why; every ballad is easier than any poem to be memorized. Use of ballad stanza is another remarkable characteristic of a ballad. Every ballad is written a ballad stanza. Ballad stanza is a stanza, which consists of four lines with abcb rhyme scheme.Oct 5, 2017read more >>