ENH291/EDU291: Traditional Literature 1a
Types, Elements, and Definitions

Types of Traditional Literature

"Stories passed down through oral storytelling and from generation to generation fall under the broad term traditional literature. Over time and through many tellers, these stories altered, drawing upon each new generation's truth to become the stories we are familiar with today. Rich in tradition and richer in language, traditional literature connects the future to the past.

"Folktale is a general term for numerous varieties of traditional narrative. The telling of stories appears to be a cultural universal, common to primitive and complex societies alike. Even the forms folktales take are demonstrably similar from culture to culture, and comparative studies of themes and narrative techniques have been successful in showing these relationships (Answer.com)."
 

Elements of Traditional Literature

Traditional Literature  The terms "folk/fairy tales" are interchangeable.  They are called "folk" because they are part of the oral tradition handed down from generation to generation by the folk.  The term "fairy" denotes the presence of magic, characters like dwarfs, leprechauns, and the like.  The characteristics of folktales is presented in outline form below. Look for confirmation of the characteristics as you read the fairy tales for your assignment.

        I.  Theme
            A.  Often universal in quality (That means all people are capable of relating to it, such as unfair treatment by a sibling.)
            B.  Generally obvious and straightforward
            C.  Usually deals with conflict or contrast, for example

•    good vs. evil
•    rich vs. poor
•    young vs. old
•    beauty vs. ugliness
•    weak vs. strong
•    innocence vs. wise.

      II.  Plot (the storyline or events)
           A.  Quick, concise introduction
           B.  Logical, fast-paced development of events
           C.  Logical, abrupt ending after the climax or resolution of the problem
           D.  Satisfying, definite conclusion (universal happy ending)

    III.  Characters
           A.  Stereotyped, one-dimensional
           B.  Can be animals or humans
           C.  Represent types; they are not developed as flesh-and-blood people.

    IV.  Setting: "anytime, anyplace" stories

     V.  Style (word usage and structure of story)
           A.  Limited description and detail
           B.  Frequent use of rhyme and repetition
           C.  Events occur in patterns of 3, 7, 12, and 40  (This pattern also appears in Biblical stories and in Shakespeare.).  The number 4
                 occurs in Asian Literature.
           D.  Reflects culture in which the story is found.

    VI.  Other characteristics
           A.  Main character (protagonist) is given a nearly impossible task to complete.
           B.  Evil character must be overcome by the hero/heroine.
           C.  No magic ever ultimately succeeds for the mean or cowardly or cruel individual.
           D.  Dark spells can only be broken by love or self-sacrifice.
           E.  Grace and strength are bestowed upon those who strive and keep an honest, kindly heart.

Some possible distinctions and definitions