Elements of a Folktale African Folktales A Middle

Elements of a Folktale African Folktales: A Middle School Unit Amy Madigan Arlington Accelerated Learning Academy

What is a Folktale? l Folktales were the oral tradition of adults l They were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth l They are stories about peoples’ lives and imaginations as they struggled with their fears and anxieties about the world around them l Folktales were made up to explain the wonders of the world

Different Types of Folktales l Trickster Tales l Fables l Pourqoui stories l Fairytales

Trickster Tales l One character, usually the protagonist, is clever and devious l The protagonist causes problems for the other characters l Usually goes unpunished l Example “Trickster” Characters: Anansi the Spider (Africa), Hare (North America), Wolf( Europe), Badger (Japan)

Fables l These are usually considered short stories that teach a lesson or have a moral l The main characters of Fables are usually animals with human characteristics l Themes are evident, such as cooperation or different perspectives of the same problem l The moral is never stated, but needs to be inferred by the reader Examples of Fables: Tortoise and the Hare, Town Mouse and Country Mouse

Pourquoi Stories l Explain WHY something is as it is l Explains HOW something came to be Examples of Pourquoi stories: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears The Story of Lightning and Thunder

Fairytales l Include good and bad characters l Usually has a hero or heroine l Has Magic l Often begins with “Once upon a time” l Conflicts are resolved through kindness, courage or intelligence

Common Elements of a Folktale: Theme l Fear of not being loved l Fear of leaving home l Good and Evil l Right and Wrong l Happiness, Kindness, Friendship, Loyalty l Repetition l The number 3

Common Elements of a Folktale: Characterization l Characters are usually flat, meaning that they are uncomplicated and change only in their mindset (from the lesson learned) throughout the course of the story l The hero is usually young and fair, kind, charitable, honorable, courageous, unselfish, and may possess some sort of special power.

Common Elements of a Folktale: Setting l Place is usually described easily and briefly, leaving the imagination to fill in the gaps. For example, folktales take place in a cottage in the woods or in a magical kingdom l Time is fantasy time, such as Once upon a time, or A long time ago

Common Elements of a Folktale: Plot l Folktales are full of action and follow a basic plotline of events, that usually starts quickly to grab the readers attention. l Conflicts are usually resolved with great deeds or acts of human kindness.

Common Elements of a Folktale: Style and Tone l Descriptions are quick and to the point, but create strong images without a lot of language. l Often there are promises made or promises broken. l The number three is used in a lot of folklore. l Magic is commonly used, to explain the unexplainable. l Sometimes, folktales have repeated phrases. l Folktales explain a natural phenomena that otherwise would have no explanation.

Your Task l With a partner, collect two or three folktales. Read them together, and locate the elements of the folktale that are evident in your selections. Be prepared to share your work with the class