1. Chapter 6 Traditional Literature EDUC 328 CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

2. The Bible As Literature Kiefer (p. 334)Kiefer (p. 334) –“Children should not be denied their right to knowledge of the traditional literature of the Bible. Children cannot fully understand other literature unless they are familiar with the outstanding characters, incidents, poems, proverbs, and parables of this literature of the Western world of thought.” –In 1963 the Supreme Court asserted that “religious exercises” violated the 1 st Amendment, but the Court also encouraged study of the Bible as literature.

3. Characteristics of Fables Fables are brief, didactic tales in which animals and elements often speak as human beings.Fables are brief, didactic tales in which animals and elements often speak as human beings. Characters are impersonal.Characters are impersonal. Names often refer to the type of animal, such as “fox” or “cow.”Names often refer to the type of animal, such as “fox” or “cow.” There are seldom more than three characters.There are seldom more than three characters. The plot is usually based on a single incident.The plot is usually based on a single incident. Fables contain an implicit or explicit moral.Fables contain an implicit or explicit moral. Fables are simple but convey abstract ideas.Fables are simple but convey abstract ideas.

4. Myths Often provide explanations of the earth, sky, and human behaviorOften provide explanations of the earth, sky, and human behavior Changing explanations over time:Changing explanations over time: –Concept of one power or force in human form, controls the phenomena of nature –Complex systems, gods or goddesses represent virtues –Worshipping gods in an organized fashion

5. Epics and Legends Long narratives or story cycles revolve around the actions of a single hero.Long narratives or story cycles revolve around the actions of a single hero. This tradition grew out of myths.This tradition grew out of myths. Epics often focus on a cultural or national hero who embodies the ideal characteristics of the time.Epics often focus on a cultural or national hero who embodies the ideal characteristics of the time.

6. Epic and Legendary Heroes (cont.) The Iliad and The OdysseyThe Iliad and The Odyssey Heroes of the Middle Ages:Heroes of the Middle Ages: –Beowolf –King Arthur The Sword and the Stone King Arthur and the Round Table

7. Unique Characteristics of Folktales/Fairy Tales: Motifs Wishes are granted but then used foolishly, or in anger or greed.Wishes are granted but then used foolishly, or in anger or greed. Trickery motifs involve animals or humans who trick friends and neighbors; trickster tales are part of almost every culture.Trickery motifs involve animals or humans who trick friends and neighbors; trickster tales are part of almost every culture. Others motifs include the power of naming; becoming invisible, enchanted sleep; etc.Others motifs include the power of naming; becoming invisible, enchanted sleep; etc.

8. Variants Variants involve basically the same story or plot, but with different characters, different settings, and/or different motifs.Variants involve basically the same story or plot, but with different characters, different settings, and/or different motifs. Compare variant tales available from your library. In the variants, what is the same? What is different? How do the differences enhance or change the stories?Compare variant tales available from your library. In the variants, what is the same? What is different? How do the differences enhance or change the stories?

9. Evaluation Criteria Is there a citing of the original source?Is there a citing of the original source? Is the plot simple and direct?Is the plot simple and direct? Is the language lively and engaging and in keeping with the oral or original tradition?Is the language lively and engaging and in keeping with the oral or original tradition? What is the story’s message, moral or theme?What is the story’s message, moral or theme? Do the illustrations compliment and extend the story?Do the illustrations compliment and extend the story? Does the story represent cultural norms, or is it rewritten to conform to modern values?Does the story represent cultural norms, or is it rewritten to conform to modern values?