Chapter 6 – Traditional Literature

1. In general, why were traditional literature stories told?

a. To speculate about the beginning of things b. To relate stories about people who performed brave deeds c. To relate stories of mythical heroes d. All of the above a. Princely valor b. Overcoming social inequality to obtain a better way of life c. Great deeds of the nobility d. None of the above a. Handed down from generation to generation b. Both universal and ancient c. No identifiable author d. Reflects only the peasant classes a. The main characters have intelligence and reasoning ability. b. Because children know the repeating part of the story, they can join in as each new happening occurs. c. They are often about personified objects or animals. d. They are often humorous.

2. Which of the following was a popular theme in the traditional literature of common people?

3. Which of the following is not a characteristic of traditional literature?

4. Why are cumulative tales, that sequentially repeat actions, characters, or speeches until a climax is reached, appealing to young children?

5. The type of folktale that explains why an animal has certain characteristics or why people have certain customs is a a. Magic and wonder tale b. Beast tale c. Pourquoi tale d. Realistic tale

6. Similarities among tales from different countries emphasize that a. Tales from different countries can be very different. b. Humans throughout the world have had similar needs and problems. c. Differences exist across cultures. d. Geographical setting is important to the tale’s story line. a. Understanding and identifying with universal human struggles b. Understanding the world c. Pure pleasure d. Identifying with realistic and contemporary heroes

7. Which of the following is not a value of traditional literature for children?

8. Folklore from around the world should a. Reflect the original culture’s beliefs b. Reflect current American beliefs c. Reflect current beliefs of the culture d. None of the above

9. Favat maintains that the characteristics of folktales correspond with the characteristics that a. Are symbolic and easily identified. b. Are evident in poetry. c. Jean Piage t ascribed to children. d. None of the above a. Folktales reflect universal themes and morals. b. Storytellers were not as inventive as they could have been. c. Children wanted to hear the same stories over and over again. d. Symbolism remains constant across cultures. a. They are less completely developed than those in other types of literature. b. They usually do not change during the course of the story. c. They have both good and bad qualities. d. They are essentially symbolic. a. Good overcome evil b. Intelligence wins out over physical strength c. Kindness, diligence, and hard work bring rewards d. All of the above

10. What is the most likely reason that so many folktales, even folktales of different origins, have the same types of themes and recurring actions?

11. Folktale characters are least likely to have which of the following characteristics?

12. Which of the following is a common theme in folktales?

13. A motif in literature is a. A border or frame around the illustrations b. The main idea of a story c. A recurring element used in the development of a story d. The climax of a story a. Person against person, person against society, person against nature b. Supernatural beings, extraordinary animals, magical objects, powers, and transformations c. Problem, rising action, climax, denouement d. None of the above

14. The most common motifs in literature include which of the following?

15. The majority of French folktales portrays a. Human foolishness and humble pleasant cottages b. An enchanted or mystical forest. c. Enchantment and the splendor of the royal court. d. The consequences of foolish boosting. a. A strong sense of wonder b. Northern climate and culture c. A good sense of humor d. All of the above a. German b. African c. Chinese d. Russian a. Jewish b. British c. French d. Japanese

16. Which of the following characterizes Norwegian folktales?

17. In which of the following types of folktales are respect for elders and the dragon as a symbol of imperial authority common elements?

18. In which of the following types of folktales are dragons, tigers, and cranes recurring elements?

19. Folktales considered truly indigenous to the United States are a. Native American folktales b. African American folktales c. Tall tales d. All of the above

20. The original purpose of myths was probably to a. Entertain royalty b. Describe and explain the heroic deeds of Greek rulers c. Provide explanations for happenings in nature d. Frighten the lower classes into submission a. To allow people to experience the awe of the universe. b. To support and validate a certain social order. c. To teach peop le how to live. d. To see how literature can affect society. a. Legends are primarily about gods and supernatural beings. b. Legends deal primarily with nature. c. Legends are based on historical events. d. All of the above a. Strong beginnings b. Easily identifiable characters c. Familiar climaxes and satisfactory endings d. All of the above a. Becoming aware of cultural diffusion b. Learning about different countries c. Understanding how various types of traditional stories are related d. All of the above a. About 50 b. More than 500 c. More than 1,000 d. About 5,000

21. Which of the following is not one of the four functions of myths according to Joseph Campbell?

22. Which of the following distinguishes legends from myths?

23. Which of the following characteristics makes folktales appropriate for storytelling?

24. What are the major benefit of traditional literature?

25. According to Alan Dundes, how many version of the Cinderella story have been found throughout the world?

Essay Questions

1. Identify and define the four types of traditional literature. Use specific titles as examples of each type of literature to develop your definition.

2. Name at least four common motifs in folktales from different cultures. Select one of these and identify three specific stories with different origins. Compare and contrast how this motif is characterized in each story.

3. Differentiate between a myth and a legend. Provide an example of each from children’s literature. Discuss why you would categorize each one as either a myth or a legend.

4. Explore the notion of analyzing folklore versions with children. Why and when would you use this in a classroom? Make sure you provide ample support for your response.

5. A group of parents contact you about the use of tall tales in your fifth grade classroom. They feel you should not use tall tales because they are misrepresentative of historical events and seem frivolous. What will you say to the parents about your use of tall tales?