Which statement below is not true of ballads?
a) they were intended to be sung.
b) they are often about heroism.
c) their stanzas usually consist of quatrains.
d) they were in large part composed by distinguished poets.

B). A Great Historical Figure.

D). A Hero.

Explanation:

Prior to the emergence of novels as a literary genre in the beginning of eighteenth century, the central character of the literary works generally used to be 'a great historical figure' and 'a hero'. Before the arrival of novel, restoration age was on its peak during the 17th century in England that was primarily indulged in imitating the classical writers(who included mythical gods and goddesses as the characters exemplifying 'great mythical figures' with a historic reference in their works) and their characterization and writing style.

The characters used to be 'a hero' possessing outstanding courage and strength or 'historical figures' in order to imitate(classical writers) and refer to the great classical characters as they believed whatever the classicists propagated was perfect. Thus, options B and D are correct.