Column 1
What does “the bed” symbolize in Lord Randal?
Death / preparation for dying.
Who orders Sir Patrick Spence to sail?
he king of Scotland.
Where does Sir Patrick’s body end up?
At the bottom of the sea, 50 fathoms deep, with the lords of Scotland.
What does Lord Randal leave to his brother?
His houses and his lands.
In Sir Patrick Spence, what does the “new moon with the old moon in her arms” symbolize?
A bad omen / disaster ahead.
Who is responsible for Lord Randal’s death?
His lover.
How do ballads typically begin their stories?
Abruptly, often at a climactic moment.
What does Lord Randal leave to his true love?
Hell and fire.
In Lord Randal, what do the hawks and hounds represent when they die?
Loss of inheritance / betrayal.
How are the noblemen’s wives described at the end of Sir Patrick Spence?
Sitting with golden combs, waiting for husbands who never return.
What is the dominant theme in Sir Patrick Spence?
Fate and collective tragedy at sea.
What happens to the Scots nobles at sea?
Their hats float above the water—the men have drowned.
What is the central theme of Lord Randal?
Betrayal through poisoning.
What food does Lord Randal’s lover give him?
Fried eels.
What does Lord Randal leave to his mother?
Twenty-four milk cows.
True or False: Ballads usually contain long descriptions of characters and settings.
False
Who questions Lord Randal throughout the ballad?
His mother.
What happens to Lord Randal’s hawks and hounds after eating the leftovers?
They die.
What does Lord Randal leave to his sister?
His gold and silver.
True or False: The language of ballads is typically simple, direct, and meant for oral transmission.
True