Ballad of Birmingham Analysis

Though it may seem simple, there's still a form to Randall's ballad. Don't fret, though, Shmoopers. We're here to break it all down for you, beginning with the stanzas.A stanza is just a group of l...

In the first half of the poem, we have two speakers: the mother and the daughter go back and forth in a dialogue that reveals much about the threats of violence in their lives—as well as the comm...

Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 was a troubled place. Jim Crow laws, which legalized segregation, were still in effect in the South, and many of Birmingham's citizens organized marches and protests to...

Ever get a tune stuck in your head? We're willing to bet you have; some things just get caught on a loop in our brains. But what causes this ever-present ear worm? What makes something catchy?Two t...

"Ballad of Birmingham" is, indeed, a ballad, or musical poem. Ballads are often about heroes or sad tales, and this poem is no different. As well, ballads are often well-known—even by those who a...

Randall didn't mince words or spend much time hiding obscure symbols in his work; what you read is what you get. But don't mistake his straightforward lines with lack of thought; keeping the poems...

You don't need an advanced degree to decipher this one. Nope—"Ballad of Birmingham" is a straightforward poem told in simple, non-tricky language. Randall wanted his meaning to be crystal clear s...

Randall published his first poem at age 13—talk about getting started at a young age.(Source.)The poet also worked as a librarian for several years. We guess sitting around a bunch of books helpe...

Though ballads can sometimes be a bit bawdy, there's definitely no hanky-panky to be found here.

Freedom Marches (3,4,11)1963 Birmingham Church Bombing (25)