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

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 anxieties about the world around them Folktales were made up to explain the wonders of the world

Different Types of Folktales Trickster Tales Fables Pourqoui stories Fairytales

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

Fables These are usually considered short stories that teach a lesson or have a moral The main characters of Fables are usually animals with human characteristics Themes are evident, such as cooperation or different perspectives of the same problem 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 Explain WHY something is as it is Explains HOW something came to be Examples of Pourquoi stories: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears The Story of Lightning and Thunder

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

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

Common Elements of a Folktale: Characterization 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 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 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 Time is fantasy time, such as Once upon a time, or A long time ago

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

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

Your Task 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