Final answer:
A poem designed to imitate a folk ballad is often written in quatrains with an ABCB rhyme scheme, and it uses meter in the form of iambic tetrameter and trimeter. None of the options provided (sonnet, haiku, limerick, or pastoral) are standard imitations of a folk ballad. Folk ballads come from an oral tradition and have rhythmic qualities that suit storytelling and memorization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Imitation of a Folk Ballad in Poetry
A poem that is consciously written to imitate a folk ballad is typically characterized by certain traditional elements, such as rhythm, rhyme, and a specific meter. The classic form of a ballad is often written in quatrains with an ABCB rhyme scheme, where the first and third lines contain eight syllables (iambic tetrameter), and the second and fourth lines contain six syllables (iambic trimeter). Among the choices provided—sonnet, haiku, limerick, and pastoral—the none specifically imitate a folk ballad in their traditional format. Muriel Rukeyser's ballad is a modern example of ballad poetry, adhering to some traditional elements while presenting the poem in a contemporary voice.
Folk ballads were originally part of an oral tradition, crafted to be easily memorized and performed, often to the accompaniment of dance or music, hence the word 'ballad' derived from the Latin 'ballare,' meaning to dance. The ballad's structure with rhythmic qualities made it suitable for storytelling and passing down through generations. However, in modern or written poetry, while a poet may still use the form and functions of a ballad, the content and stylistic choices can vary widely, reflecting the individual poet's message and era.
The choice of stanzaic form in poetry, such as the quatrain, can indicate the poet's intent to echo the balladic tradition. Moreover, the iambic meter in these stanzas often demonstrates a conscious decision to align with the rhythm commonly found in folk ballads.