What type of poem is characterized by swift action and direct narration, often written in four-line stanzas?

The type of poem characterized by swift action and direct narration, often structured in four-line stanzas, is a ballad. Ballads traditionally tell a story, frequently involving themes of love, tragedy, or adventure, and are noted for their rhythmic and musical quality. This narrative form allows for the swift progression of the storyline, making the ballad an impactful form of poetry that engages the reader through vivid imagery and emotional depth.

In contrast, an elegy is a reflective poem typically mourning the loss of someone or something, lacking the swift action and storytelling elements that define a ballad. An epic, while also a narrative poem, is generally much longer, with elaborate themes and complex characters, often focusing on heroic deeds and grand events rather than the quick, direct storytelling style of a ballad. A sonnet, on the other hand, is a highly structured 14-line poem usually exploring themes of love or nature, characterized by a specific rhyme scheme and often lacking the narrative immediacy of a ballad.