Ballad by David Park Barnitz (1867)
The narrative unfolds with a lady traversing a somber, moonlit landscape, embodying a blend of beauty and melancholy. She rides through a forest, her path illuminated by the moon, seemingly indifferent to the spectral figures that surround her, which symbolize death and the passage of time. The imagery evokes a sense of solemnity, as she is portrayed as a goddess-like figure, unperturbed by the presence of the dead who attempt to impede her journey. As she progresses, the atmosphere shifts from the shadowy woods to an expansive, misty plain, where the stars appear dim and the moon wanes, suggesting themes of mortality and the ephemeral nature of life. The lady, adorned with jewels and possessing a divine allure, continues her journey with a sense of purpose, ultimately arriving at the sea. Upon reaching her destination, she ascends a staircase to her chamber, signifying a transition from the external world to a more intimate, personal space. The act of undressing and preparing for sleep symbolizes a surrender to rest and perhaps a metaphorical death, as she seeks solace in slumber, contemplating the duality of life and death. The work encapsulates a journey that intertwines beauty, mortality, and the inevitability of rest, leaving the reader with a haunting reflection on existence.
By David Park Barnitz · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic · 319 words
First lines
The lady rode 'neath the strange sky's pall Through the leafy woods funereal, And all the length of her moonlit way Was wanly white as the light of day;
Solemnly rob'd she rode along, Unmindful of their droning throng That throng'd her shadowy path, alas, As though to see her funeral pass;
What this Textopian page supports
Ballad is listed on Textopian as a poem by David Park Barnitz, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: David Park Barnitz
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic, Fantasy, Symbolism
- Length: 319 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and the supernatural align with Romantic ideals.
- Gothic — The presence of death, the supernatural, and a somber atmosphere contribute to Gothic elements.
- Fantasy — The mystical journey and ethereal imagery suggest elements of fantasy.
Tags
Poetry · Narrative · Folklore · Romance · Tragedy · Balladry · Storytelling · Verse · Rhyme · Meter · Stanza · Tone