Elements of Folk Literature

Folk literature has been passed down through the oral tradition. What does this mean?

• It was told through text message.

• It was told through word of mouth.

• It was told through a viral tik tok.

• It was written down and passed along.

Check all of the reasons why folk literature came to be.

• It was a form of entertainment

• It was meant to teach morals or lessons

• It helped explain what seemed unexplainable

• It helped teach mathematics

Folk literature has specific characteristics that apply to the setting, characters, plot, and theme

• True

• False

In folk literature, plot includes...

• Twists and turns

• cause and effect

• the battle of good vs. evil

• challenges and dangerous journeys

• physical transformation/disguised characters

Settings in folk literature include all of the following EXCEPT:

• Challenging or threatening landscapes

• Severe, unexpected weather

• A "normal" and modern world

• Supernatural worlds

Characters tend to be brave heroes/heroines, animals with human traits, have extreme talents or magical powers, and...

• Are nice

• Are tricksters

• Are old and wise

• Are average, everyday kids

Repetition in folktales can include patterns that you notice ACROSS folktales (meaning, you see these patterns in other folktales, too)

• True

• False

3 is the magic number for patterns in folktales

• True

• False

Define theme in folktales:

Folktales don't always have to have a theme.

• True

• False