Narrative

Garlands in Newcastle

10. Garlands aimed to entertain, but in a way that mattered to local readers. However comical or entertaining, the ballads in these garlands are also political in several instances and ways. First, in that they portray working-class people. Second, in that they address the realities of working-class life. Third, in that they take on national subjects from a working-class perspective. And fourth, in that they are produced for and made accessible to working-class people. The adaptation of ‘A Man’s a Man for A’ That’ in this garland is perhaps a good example.