Question
Read this excerpt from “Barbara Allen” by Anonymous.
In Scarlet town, where I was born,
There was a fair maid dwellin’,
Made every youth cry Well-a-way!
Her name was Barbara Allen.
All in the merry month of May,
When green buds they were swellin’,
Young Jemmy Grove on his death-bed lay,
For love of Barbara Allen.
Based on this excerpt, what is one reason why “Barbara Allen” is considered a ballad?
A
It is set to music.
B
It takes place in England.
C
It recounts a historic battle.
D
It tells a story about a person.
In Scarlet town, where I was born,
There was a fair maid dwellin’,
Made every youth cry Well-a-way!
Her name was Barbara Allen.
All in the merry month of May,
When green buds they were swellin’,
Young Jemmy Grove on his death-bed lay,
For love of Barbara Allen.
Based on this excerpt, what is one reason why “Barbara Allen” is considered a ballad?
A
It is set to music.
B
It takes place in England.
C
It recounts a historic battle.
D
It tells a story about a person.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The correct answer is D: It tells a story about a person.
"Barbara Allen" is considered a ballad because it narrates a story centered around the characters and events involving Barbara Allen and Jemmy Grove. Ballads typically focus on a narrative and often involve themes of love, tragedy, or adventure.
"Barbara Allen" is considered a ballad because it narrates a story centered around the characters and events involving Barbara Allen and Jemmy Grove. Ballads typically focus on a narrative and often involve themes of love, tragedy, or adventure.