Traditional Literature Features
Folk Tales, Fairy Tales, Fables, and Myths
Folk Tale Charactertistics
Things happen in 3s
exaggeration
oral tradition
supernatural elements
Example: Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby
According to research by Mota (2009) folk tales are critical to the heritage of any culture and help to build character.
Fairy Tale Characteristics
Imaginary people/places
once upon a time
happily ever after
good/evil
Example: Cinderella
Fable Characteristics
Teaches a moral
Very short
anthropomorphic
always fiction
Example: Fox and the Grapes
Myth Characteristics
Heroes/demi-gods
Elements of truth
on a quest
supernatural events
Example: Hercules