Folk Tales A Middle School Unit Computech Middle School What is a Folktale Folktales were the oral tradition of adults They were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth They are stories about peoples lives and imaginations as they struggled with their fears and anxi ID: 287050
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Elements of a Folktale
Folk Tales –A Middle School UnitComputech Middle SchoolSlide2
What is a Folktale?
Folktales were the oral tradition of adultsThey were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth
They are stories about peoples’ lives and imaginations as they struggled with their fears and anxieties about the world around themFolktales were made up to explain the wonders of the worldSlide3
Different Types of Folktales
Trickster Tales
FablesPourquoi (por-qwa’) storiesFairytalesSlide4
Trickster Tales
One character, usually the protagonist, is clever and deviousThe protagonist causes problem for other characters
He or she usually goes unpunishedExample Trickster Characters:Anansi the Spider (Africa), Hare (North America), Wolf (Europe), Badger (Japan)Slide5
Fables
Usually considered short stories that teach a lesson or have a moral
The main characters in Fables are usually animals with human characteristicsThemes are evident, such as cooperation or a different perspective of the same problemThe moral is never stated, but needs to be inferred by the reader
Examples of Fables:
Tortoise and the Hare; Town Mouse and Country MouseSlide6
Pourquoi Stories
Explains WHY something is as it is
Explains HOW something is as it isExamples of Pourquoi stories:Why Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears;
The Story of Lightning and ThunderSlide7
Fairytales
Include good and bad charactersUsually has a hero or heroine
Has magicOften begins with “Once upon a time….”Conflicts are resolved through kindness, courage, or intelligenceSlide8
Common Elements of a Folktale
Characterization
Characters are usually flat, meaning that they are uncomplicated and only change in their mindset (from the lesson learned) throughout the course of the storyThe hero is usually young, fair, kind, charitable, honorable, courageous, unselfish, and my possess some sort of magical powerSlide9
Common Elements of a Folktale
Setting
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 that fits the typical geography of the culture Time is a fantasy time, such as Once upon a time
, or
A long time ago
and may be imbedded within the history of the culture.Slide10
Common Elements of a Folktale
Plot
Folktales are full of action, and typically follow a basic plotline of events that usually starts quickly to grab the readers’ attentionThought-provoking and possibly meant to teach a lesson
Conflicts are usually resolved with great deeds or acts of human kindness related to good and evilSlide11
Common Elements of a Folktale
Style and Tone
Descriptions are quick and to the point, creating strong images without a lot of languageOften there are promises made or promises brokenThe number three is used in a lot of folkloreMagic is commonly used to explain the unexplainable
Sometimes folktales have repeated phrases
Folktales explain a natural phenomenon that would otherwise have no explanationSlide12
Common Elements of a Folktale
ThemeFear of not being loved
Fear of leaving homeGood and EvilRight and WrongHappiness, Kindness, Friendship, Loyalty….…continued on next slideSlide13
Common Elements of a Folktale
Theme…continued
Problems of young adultsSecurityFear of not having childrenJustice and injusticeDiscuss basic values of people
Reflect basic values and concerns of different culturesSlide14
Student Task
With a partner or in a group of three, go back over at least three of the folktales you have read. Read them together, and locate the elements of the folktales that are evident in your selections.
Be ready to share your work with the class.Slide15
Folktales
A Story Inside a Story Inside a StoryKinto and the Law of LoveAnansi: How the Spider Got a Skinny Waist
Arap Sang and the CranesKelfala’s Secret SomethingSundiata the Lion King of Mali