Native American Folklore English III

What is Native American Folklore? Rich in myths and legends Explains natural phenomena and the relationship between humans and the spirit world. Native American cultures are numerous and diverse so many cultures are quite different from one another

What are they Primarily About? Most common myths are creation myths, that tell a story to explain how the earth was formed, and where humans and other beings came from. Others may include explanations about the sun, moon, constellations, specific animals, seasons, and weather. Hero Stories: are stories of people who lived at one time, and who were immortalized and remembered through these tales. Trickster Stories: are about the different trickster figures of the tribes who are spirits that may be either helpful or dangerous, depending on the situation. Warnings: warn against doing something that may harm in some way. Many of these tales have morals or some form of belief that is being taught.

Characteristics of a Folktale Setting: Most folktale settings remove the tale from the real world, taking us to a time and place where animals talk, witches and wizards roam, and magic spells are commonplace. The settings are usually unimportant and described and referred to in vague terms Some settings reflect the typical landscape of the tale’s culture

Characteristics Cont. Character The characters in folk literature are usually flat, simple, and straightforward. Motivation in folktale characters tends to be singular The characters are usually stereotypical The hero or heroine is often isolated and is usually cast out

Characteristics Cont. Plot Plots are generally shorter and simpler than in other genres of literature. The action tends to be formulaic. A journey is common The action is concentrated, no lengthy explanations and descriptions. Conflicts are quickly established and events move swiftly to their conclusion.

Characteristics Cont. Theme & Conflict: Themes in folk literature are usually quite simple, but serious and powerful. Folktale themes espouse the virtues of compassion, generosity, and humility over the vices of greed, selfishness, and excessive pride. These themes are at the very heart of growing up. Also, they are similar to the themes of Greek tragedy: Wisdom comes through suffering

Characteristics Cont. Style Minimal amount of description Repetitious phrasing Folktales often use a technique – stylized intensification, which occurs when, with each repetition, an element is further exaggerated or intensified. This has the effect of increasing the drama. Some folktales have powerful visual images Many folktale motifs (i.e., recurring thematic elements) are examples of magic:  helpful animals, enchanted transformations, granted wishes, etc Folktales often lift their heroes and heroines to higher and more refined levels

What is Paraphrasing? Avoid Plagiarism Method How to Use When to Use Paraphrase Restate an author’s idea in your own words To convey the author’s meaning in a way your audience is likely to understand Summarize Provide an overview of the author’s main ideas in your own words To briefly explain an author’s ideas using fewer words Quote Directly Include the author’s exact words inside quotation marks To maintain accuracy of the author’s ideas To use an author’s memorable language To support an idea with the author’s authority