My Pretty Maid

By Walter Crane

Ballad
1.     "Where are you going to, my pretty maid?     Where are you going to, my pretty maid?"     "I'm going a-milking, Sir," she said,     "Sir," she said, "Sir," she said,     "I'm going a-milking, Sir," she said. 2.     "Shall I go with you, my pretty maid?"     "Yes, if you please, kind Sir," she said,     "Sir," she said, "Sir," she said,     "Yes, if you please, kind Sir," she said. 3.     "What is your fortune, my pretty maid?"     "My face is my fortune, Sir," she said,     "Sir," she said, "Sir," she said,     "My face is my fortune, Sir," she said. 4.     "Then I can't marry you, my pretty maid."     "Nobody asked you, Sir," she said,     "Sir," she said, "Sir," she said,     "Nobody asked you, Sir," she said.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a delightful conversation that unfolds in a playful, rhythmic cadence. The theme is a simple interaction between two characters, a man and a 'pretty maid'. This interaction, however, subtly explores themes of gender, independence, and societal expectations.

The poem's structure is consistent, which contributes to its charming simplicity. Each stanza is a dialogue, with the first two lines posing a question and the next four lines constituting the response. This structure also emphasizes the repetition of phrases, an effective literary device that creates a melodic resonance and underscores the weight of the maid's words.

The tone of the poem is light and humorous, but it also carries a touch of defiance. The maid, although presented as an object of the man's interest, maintains her independence and does not shy away from asserting herself. Her responses to the man's questions are direct, exhibiting a quiet strength and self-sufficiency. The most prominent example of this is in the final stanza, where the man assumes a proposal and the maid promptly dismisses him, displaying her autonomy and challenging traditional gender norms.

Moreover, the poem uses the device of understatement, particularly when the maid declares, "My face is my fortune, Sir." This line can be interpreted as both a commentary on the superficiality of societal values, where a woman's worth is often tied to her beauty, and a subtle declaration of the maid's self-worth, suggesting that she needs nothing more than herself to navigate the world.

In conclusion, this poem, while appearing simplistic on the surface, is a clever commentary on gender roles and societal norms, delivered in a light, rhythmic, and engaging manner.

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.