Folk TalesHJI
Folk TalesHJI
Literature
Types of traditional
Literature
• Polygenesis
Value
• Teachers find it a valuable way to introducing world
cultures and geographical regions
• Appeals to the children’s sense of justice and their
moral judgment
• Kindle their imagination
• Helps them cope with their dreams and inner
turmoil
• Our speech and language reflect many
contributions
• Groundwork
Folktales
• Defined as “all forms of narrative, written or oral,
which have come to be handed down through the
years.”
o Epics, Ballads, Legends, and Folk Songs as well as Myths and Fables
Types of Folktales
• Cumulative Tales
o There is an increasing repetition of the details building up to a quick climax
o Children loves these tales
• Pourquoi Tales
o Stories that explain
• Beast Tales
o Animals act and talk like human beings
o Talking animals appear in folktales in all cultures
• Wonder Tales or “Fairy Tales”
o Magic and the supernatural
o Creatures
o Involves Romance and Adventure
o Long Quest Tales
o Ends with …
o Part of the appeal
o Represents Glorious Fulfillment of human desires
• Realistic Tales
o Few
o Some Basis in Fact
Folktales Pictures
Characteristics of
Folktales
• Plot Structures
• Characterization
• Style
• Themes
• Motifs
Characteristics of Folk
Literature Cont.
• Examples of Motifs
o Magical Powers
o Transformations
o Magical Object
o Wishes
o Trickery
o Power of Naming
o Enchanted Sleep
Evaluating Folktales
• Is there some mention or citation of the original source
for this tale?
• Is the plot simple and direct?
• Is the language lively and engaging and in keeping with
the oral tradition?
• Does a theme emerge?
• What is the story’s message or moral?
• Do illustrations add to and extend the story?
• Are illustrations and details true to the culture
represented?
• Does the story represent cultural norms, or is written to
conform to Western mores?
Folktales of the World
• Every Culture has produced folklore
• Provide Insight
• Help Children discover the universal qualities of
humankind
• Pay Attention to the Following Slides will come in
handy
British Folktales
• First Folktales there most children hear in the United
States
• Joseph Jacobs
• Examples
o “The Old Woman and Her Pig”
o “The Three Bears”
o “The Three Little Pigs”
• “Sleeping Beauty”
• Best Known French wonder tale
o “Beauty and the Beast”