Le Petit Chasseur

By Walter Crane

Ballad
    Il tait un petit homm',     A cheval sur un bton;     Il s'en allait la chass',     A la chass' aux hannetons,     Et ti ton, tain', et ti ton tain',     Et ti ton tain' et ti ton ton.     Il s'en allait la chass',     A la chass' aux hannetons;     Quand il fut sur la montagn',     Il partit un coup d'canon.     Et ti, &c.     Quand il fut sur la montagn'     Il partit un coup d'canon;     Il en eut si peur tout d'mm',     Qu'il tomba sur ses talons.     Et ti, &c.     Il en eut si peur tout d'mm'     Qu'il tomba sur ses talons;     Tout's les dames du villag'     Lui portrent des bonbons.     Et ti, &c.     Tout's les dames du villag'     Lui portrent des bonbons;     Je vous remerci', mesdam's,     De vous et de vos bonbons.     Et ti, &c.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, penned in French, possesses a playful, rhythmic quality that is immediately evident, even to those who might not understand the language. It tells a simple, yet engaging story of a small man who sets off on a beetle-hunting adventure, only to be startled by a cannon's blast and consequently tumbling over. This incident earns him the sympathy of the village ladies who shower him with sweets, which he gratefully acknowledges in the end.

The poem employs a repetitive structure, echoing the childish delight in familiar refrains and patterns. The repeated line "Et ti ton, tain', et ti ton tain', Et ti ton tain' et ti ton ton" serves as a musical chorus, which gives the poem a song-like quality. The use of colloquial language and informal contractions ("homm'", "chass'", "d'mm'", "mesdam's") adds to the charming, relaxed tone of the poem, reflecting the simplicity of the protagonist's life and his adventure.

The key themes include courage, fear, and community. Courage is shown in the protagonist's initial venture into beetle-hunting, fear when he is startled by the cannon, and community in the kind response of the village ladies. The poem's tone is light-hearted and whimsical, making it an enjoyable read even as it explores common human experiences and emotions. Despite its playful nature, the poem subtly suggests that even in simplicity and humor, there is room for profound human connection and empathy.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.