Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Ballad, showing how an Old Woman rode double and who rode before her" is a humorous poem by Robert Southey. The poem was first published in 1799 as part of "Poems: containing The Retrospect, Odes, Elegies, Ballads, &c." The ballad is written in the style of traditional English folk ballads, with a strong narrative and a memorable refrain.

Content:

The ballad tells the story of an old woman who is riding double on a horse. The poem poses the question of who is riding in front of her and who is riding behind. The old woman is described as having a "broomstick" for a staff, and she is carrying a "snub-nosed cur" beneath her cloak. The identity of the person riding with her is revealed at the end of the poem, with a twist that adds to the humor of the piece.

Form:

The poem is structured as a ballad, with four-line stanzas and a regular rhyme scheme. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. The poem features a repeated refrain, "But who rode foremost, who behind?/Good lady, turn and see."

Poetic Devices:

The poem makes use of various poetic devices, such as repetition, alliteration, and imagery. The repeated refrain adds to the ballad's musical quality and rhythm. The use of alliteration in lines like "Beneath her cloak she carried a snub-nosed cur" adds to the playful and humorous tone of the poem. The imagery used to describe the old woman and her companion adds to the vividness of the narrative.

Summary:

"A Ballad, showing how an Old Woman rode double and who rode before her" is a well-crafted poem that showcases Southey's skill in crafting ballads in the traditional style. The use of repetition, alliteration, and vivid imagery creates a memorable and enjoyable narrative that is both humorous and engaging. The poem is a testament to Southey's ability to write in a variety of styles, from serious and contemplative to lighthearted and playful.

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