Beginnings of the Tall Tale Tall tales began

Beginnings of the Tall Tale • Tall tales began in the 1800's as a way for pioneers to understand the greatness of the American west. – There were huge forests, ferocious animals, deserts, and mountains. The pioneers were trying to conquer these elements, and that was a scary business. – The heroes and heroines in the tall tales were also huge and often ferocious. They made the taming of America a little easier to handle. • In those days, before TV and movies, people depended on storytelling for entertainment. After a long day's work, people gathered to tell each other funny tales. • Each group of workers (loggers, cowboys, railroad and steel workers) had its own tall-tale hero. – Having a superhuman hero with the same job somehow made their lives easier. – Perhaps it gave them strength or courage to do their difficult and dangerous work.

Elements of a Tall Tale • A larger-than-life, or superhuman, main character with a specific job. • A problem that is solved in a funny way. • Exaggerated details that describe things as greater than they really are. • Characters who use everyday language. • Written in 1 st person (uses “I”). • Some legendary figures are real people. There are more tall tales involving American baseball player Babe Ruth than could fill a book.

Exaggeration – The Key to the Tall Tale • Remember, the key is to EXAGGERATE your hero's characteristics. Make him or her bigger or stronger or faster or smarter than anyone else! • The hero needs an adventure for a tall tale. Once again, the key is to EXAGGERATE. The main event of a tall tale is not something that can happen in real life.

Famous Tall Tale Characters • • • Paul Bunyan Johnny Appleseed Pecos Bill John Henry Tony Beaver Davy Crocket