Traditional Literature

Traditional Literature

What Is Traditional Literature?

What Is Traditional Literature?

Traditional literature forms the basis for many pieces of modern literature and can help provide readers with knowledge of stories passed through various generations.  Because traditional literature is that which has been passed from one generation to the next, it can provide readers with insight into the world's various cultures.  Its main purpose is to provide entertainment.  However, important themes often exist within traditional literature.  Themes might include foolishness, emotional outlets, and cultural values, to name a few.

Traditional literature comes in five different forms:  folktales, fables, myths, epic and legendary heroes, and the Bible. 

Often comprised of short, high-quality literature that facilitates the formation of a common, human bond, folklore originated in an oral format.  It typically has fast-moving plots that often offer humorous, happy endings.  The characters are typically flat, being either completely good or completely evil.  Rich language and a variety of language patterns are evident.  Such language facilitates vivid imagery within the readers mind.  Motifs, or the smallest part of the tale that can stand independently, are often evident in traditional literature.  Motifs include magical powers, transformations, magical objects, wishes, and trickery. 

Sometimes, traditional literature includes variants, or a different version of a common story.  According to Huck/Kiefer (2010, p. 238), "each variant has basically the same story or plot as another, but it might have different characters and a different setting or it might use different motifs".

Folklore itself appears in various forms, including cumulative tales, pourquoi stories, beast tales, wonder tales, and realistic stories. Regardless of its form, its purpose is to entertain.  Each form has unique characteristics, as follows:

  • Cumulative Tales are characterized by the increasing repetition of the details that build to a quick climax.  The Gingerbread Boy and Henny Penny are just two examples.
  • Pourquoi Tales explain the "how" or "why" of animals. 
  • Beast Tales are those in which animals are personified, and these are oftentimes children's favorite tales.
  • Wonder Tales are typically known as "fairy tales", even though fairies rarely exist in these tales.  Wonder--or fairy--tales typically involve romance and/or adventure.
  • Realistic Tales are rarely included in folklore.  Oftentimes, the tales begin with a real character, but the events are fictitious.  Johnny Appleseed is one such example.

 

Additional Information and Resources

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Teaching Resources