What are ballads primarily characterized as?

Ballads are primarily characterized as song-like poems that tell a story. This form of poetry typically focuses on narrative elements, conveying tales of love, adventure, tragedy, or historical events. The structure of a ballad often includes a refrain or repeated lines, contributing to its musical quality, which is why they are often sung or recited in song format.

Ballads often employ a simple and direct style, making them accessible and engaging for listeners. Their storytelling aspect captures emotional depth and vivid imagery, allowing the audience to connect with the narrative. This makes option B the most accurate descriptor of what a ballad is.

The other options do not align with the defining qualities of ballads; instrumental music lacks the lyrical narrative aspect, short narratives without rhythm do not encapsulate the musical format, and traditional chants often do not possess a structured story, which is essential to the ballad form.