1. Folk Literature

2. Oral Tradition
The passing along of stories by word of mouth from one generation to the next

3. Characteristics of Folk Literature
Universal Theme
Fantasy
Personification
Irony
Hyperbole
Dialect
Local customs

4. Universal Theme
A message about life that can be understood by people of most cultures

6. Fantasy
A type of writing that is highly imaginative and contains elements that are not found in real life
Examples- Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit

7. Personification
A type of figurative language in which a nonhuman subject is given human characteristics

8. Irony
Involves surprising, interesting, or amusing contradictions

9. Hyperbole
An exaggeration or an overstatement

10. Dialect
Form of language spoken by people of a particular region or group

11. Local Customs Unique traditions or ways of life of a particular group
Example- In the United States, it is customary to shake hands when first meeting someone.

12. Rule of Three
A pattern where part of the story is repeated three times, with minor variations. The first two instances build tension, and the third releases it by incorporating a twist.
Example: The three little pigs- pig one wasn’t successful; his house was built of straw while his older brother (3rd one) was the smart one and built his house of bricks!
-Also…. The Three Stooges, Three Blind Mice…

13. Magic Helper
Allows for things to occur that wouldn’t otherwise be possible
They help characters with their problems allowing the plot to progress and the problem to be resolved.
Example- The Fairy Godmother in
Cinderella

14. Oral Tradition in Print
Genres within oral tradition:
Folk Tales
Fables
Myths
Legends
Fairy Tales

15. Folk Tales
Were told to entertain and communicate the shared ideas of a culture
Often deal with heroes, adventure, magic, or romance
Examples- Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill,
Johnny Appleseed, The Headless Horseman

16. Fables Brief stories or poems
Usually contain animal characters that teach a lesson, or contain a moral that is stated directly
Examples- The Ant and the Grasshopper,
The Goose with the Golden Egg,
The Mouse and the Lion,
The Tortoise and the Hare

17. Myths
Fictional tales that explain the actions of gods and heroes, or explain natural phenomena
Examples- The stories of Zeus, Poseidon,
Hermes, Athena, etc.
Mythology - the study of myths

18. Legends A culture’s familiar and traditional stories
Can sometimes refer to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work
Examples- Legend of the Bluebonnet, Legend of the Indian Paintbrush, Davey Crockett, Robin Hood

19. Fairy Tales
A type of folktale that emphasizes magic and the supernatural
Example- Cinderella

20. Theme VS Topic
Theme- what the author wants the reader to take away; a lesson that can be learned Topic- what the author is writing about

21. Theme VS Topic

22. What is the TOPIC? What is the THEME? “Coming and Going”
Norman Rockwell, 1947

23. The top picture shows the kids and dog happy and excited.
This picture shows a family going on vacation and returning back after their vacation.
The top picture shows the kids and dog happy and excited.
The bottom picture shows everyone looking tired and not as excited and energized.
Theme- returning home isn't as much fun as getting to your destination.
Topic- family road trip

24. What is the TOPIC? What is the THEME?
“A Girl with a Black Eye” Norman Rockwell, 1953

25. What is the TOPIC? What is the THEME?
“The Body Builder” by Norman Rockwell, 1922