Explain briefly the formal features of folk poetry. ( MEG 102 ) ( ROBERT BURNS )

Folk poetry encompasses a wide range of forms and styles, but it is characterized by certain formal features that set it apart from literary poetry:

Oral Tradition: Folk poetry is primarily an oral tradition, transmitted from one generation to another through the spoken word. It is often associated with specific cultural or regional groups, and reflects the unique rhythms and cadences of the language and dialects of those communities.

Repetition and Refrain: Many folk poems rely on repetition and refrain to create a sense of rhythm and structure. Lines or phrases may be repeated at regular intervals, creating a pattern that reinforces the poem's meaning or message.

Simple Language: Folk poetry is typically characterized by a direct and simple language, using everyday words and phrases that are easily understood by a general audience. It often reflects the speech patterns and idioms of the community it comes from.

Narrative Structure: Many folk poems tell a story or recount a specific event or experience. The narrative structure of the poem may be linear or episodic, but it typically follows a clear arc from beginning to end.

Rhyme and Meter: While folk poetry is not bound by strict rules of rhyme and meter, many traditional forms include some form of regularity in these aspects. Rhyme may occur at the end of lines or internally within lines, and meter may be irregular or follow a simple pattern.

Overall, the formal features of folk poetry reflect its origins as an oral tradition, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, simplicity, and directness in conveying its messages and themes to a wide audience.