Module 1-4

Question 1

What does the prefix ‘folk’ suggest about narratives?

Answer 1

A mode of expression that is close to the roots of culture

The term ‘folk’ signifies narratives that are part of collective cultural heritage.

Question 2

What are folk narratives?

Answer 2

Stories that have survived for significant periods in popular tradition by being passed on across cultures and communities

These narratives can be transmitted orally or in written form.

Question 3

List the three principal forms of folk narratives.

Answer 3

• Myth
• Legend
• Folktale

Question 4

What distinguishes legends from myths?

Answer 4

Legends are believed to be true but not authenticated

Myths deal with gods, heroes, or the universe.

Question 5

What are the characteristics of folk tales?

Answer 5

• Popular stories enjoyed by all classes
• Survived in multiple versions
• Not associated with any one individual author
• Circulated freely between oral and literary media

Question 6

What is a trickster hero?

Answer 6

A character who refuses to be subjected to authority and often embodies cleverness and humor

Common in folk tales, they typically challenge the status quo.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: The folk tales can be further divided into _______.

Answer 7

[Animal Tales, Ordinary Folk-Tales, Jokes and Anecdotes, Formula Tales]

Question 8

What do animal tales often use to convey moral points?

Answer 8

Anthropomorphised animals

These tales comment on human behavior through traits assigned to animals.

Question 9

What defines religious tales?

Answer 9

Fictions that address sacred subjects or themes with characters derived from a religious tradition

These tales often communicate superstitious ideas.

Question 10

What is a formula tale?

Answer 10

A story that develops through repetition of a narrative formula, often with minor changes or additions

Formulaic elements include opening phrases and narrative sequences.

Question 11

What is the difference between cumulative tales and formula tales?

Answer 11

Cumulative tales focus on the accumulation of a list of objects or actions, while formula tales rely on repeated narrative structures.

Question 12

True or False: Fairy tales typically end well for the humans involved.

Answer 12

False

Fairy tales often depict characters overcoming challenges, but not all have happy endings.

Question 13

What are jocular tales?

Answer 13

Short anecdotes designed to generate humor

They often end with a punchline or disappointment.

Question 14

What is the main characteristic that distinguishes a novelle from a fairy tale?

Answer 14

Novelles utilize real people and settings, with magical elements treated as amazement rather than acceptance.

Question 15

What is the significance of the term ‘fairy tale’?

Answer 15

It implies a narrative involving magical elements, though many stories do not strictly adhere to this definition

The term is historically rooted in the works of Mme. D’Aulnoy.

Question 16

What does ‘Marchen’ translate to?

Answer 16

Short tale

This term is preferred over ‘fairy tales’ for its accuracy.

Question 17

What are ‘Volksmarchen’?

Answer 17

People’s tales, designating stories close to cultural roots

Collected directly from oral tellers.

Question 18

What is the focus of Vladimir Propp’s analysis of fairy tales?

Answer 18

To dissect the structure and components of fairy tales

He identified seven character types and 31 narrative functions.

Question 19

List the seven types of characters identified by Propp.

Answer 19

• Hero
• Princess
• Villain
• Dispatcher
• Helper
• Donor
• False Hero

Question 20

Define ‘interdiction’ in Propp’s structure.

Answer 20

A scene where the hero is warned not to do something.

Question 21

What is the significance of the Brothers Grimm in fairy tale literature?

Answer 21

They collected and published German folk tales, contributing to the establishment of the fairy tale genre

Their work also reflected cultural identity during a time of political fragmentation.

Question 22

What editorial changes did the Brothers Grimm make to their stories?

Answer 22

Changed evil mothers to evil stepmothers and removed gruesome or sexual references to support Christian values.

Question 23

What is the title of the Brothers Grimm’s notable collection?

Answer 23

Kinder- und Hausmärchen (Children’s and Household Tales).

Question 24

Fill in the blank: The Brothers Grimm collected tales primarily for _______ rather than children’s literature.

Answer 24

[scholarly endeavor to uncover German culture and history]

Question 25

What genre did Charles Perrault significantly contribute to during the 17th century?

Answer 25

Fairy tales ## Footnote He used fairy tales to subtly critique societal norms.

Question 26

Who popularized fairy tales and what was their method?

Answer 26

The Grimms popularized fairy tales by traveling the countryside and collecting stories from the folk.

Question 27

What is the significance of the Grimms' collections in Western culture?

Answer 27

The Grimms' collections are seen as important areas which Western culture can be founded and held a sacred place in modern Western culture.

Question 28

What is viewed as wrong in relation to the tales collected by the Grimms?

Answer 28

Tampering with the tales collected by the Grimms or Perrault is seen as wrong.

Question 29

Who has been blamed for the decline of fairy tales?

Answer 29

The culture industry, publishers, advertisers, and merchandisers have been blamed for the decline of fairy tales.

Question 30

How is folklore viewed in a nationalistic context?

Answer 30

Folklore is seen as the product of an ethnic group sharing common traditions, lore, and social or cultural traits.

Question 31

What did the Grimms believe folk tales contained?

Answer 31

The Grimms believed folk tales contained scattered fragments of ancient Germanic myth that could help reassert national identity.

Question 32

What role did the Grimms' collection serve during the Napoleonic occupation?

Answer 32

The Grimms' collection became a political weapon in their intellectual resistance to the Napoleonic occupation.

Question 33

What does Bettelheim claim about fairy tales?

Answer 33

Bettelheim claims that fairy tales address essential human problems and have great psychological meaning.

Question 34

What controversy surrounds the Grimms' collection of tales?

Answer 34

The controversy revolves around the speculation that the Grimms did not give authentic folktales but drew from highly educated informants and printed texts.

Question 35

What is the problem with the nationalistic perspective of fairy tales?

Answer 35

The nationalistic perspective reinforces stereotypes and restrictive ideas about human behavior.

Question 36

What is adaptation in the context of storytelling?

Answer 36

Adaptation is the process of changing a story to suit an alternative purpose, function, or environment.

Question 37

What are the two types of characters described in Nalo Hopkinson's 'Riding the Red'?

Answer 37

The two types of characters are the Wolf (sexually pleasing, wild, and fun) and the Woodman (kind, reliable, but not exciting).

Question 38

What does Nalo Hopkinson's story suggest about sexual freedom?

Answer 38

The story encourages a woman's progression into sexual freedom and acceptance of consequences that come with sexual pleasure.

Question 39

How does Angela Carter's 'The Company of Wolves' reinterpret the wolf character?

Answer 39

In 'The Company of Wolves', the wolf is portrayed as a seductive figure, and the story explores themes of womanhood and authority.

Question 40

Fill in the blank: The Grimms aimed to define a specifically ______ culture through folk tales.

Answer 40

[German]

Question 41

True or False: The Grimms' tales are solely German in origin.

Answer 41

False

Question 42

What is the main message of Perrault's version of Little Red Riding Hood?

Answer 42

Perrault's version warns young girls against the dangers of promiscuity and its impact on their reputation.

Question 43

In the Grimms' version of Little Red Riding Hood, who ultimately saves the girl?

Answer 43

The huntsman saves her by cutting open the wolf.

Question 44

What does the term 'adaptation' imply in the context of fairy tales?

Answer 44

Adaptation implies a multi-layered process where stories change to fit new media and audience expectations.

Question 45

What is the significance of children's belief regarding ownership of fairy tales?

Answer 45

Children believe they don’t have individual ownership of tales, which teachers can change by exposing them to diverse stories.

Question 46

What role did the educated young women play in the Grimms' collection process?

Answer 46

Most storytellers were educated young women from the middle class, combining oral and literary sources.

Question 47

Fill in the blank: The adaptation of fairy tales often leads to ______ in audience expectations.

Answer 47

[failure]

Question 48

What is a common theme in the reimagined versions of Little Red Riding Hood?

Answer 48

Sexual subtext and empowerment are common themes in reimagined versions of Little Red Riding Hood.

Question 49

What does the girl realize upon arriving at her grandma's house?

Answer 49

Her grandma was killed and that she is in danger ## Footnote This realization highlights the theme of danger and deception in the story.

Question 50

What does the girl do at the wolf's demands?

Answer 50

She strips her clothes before getting into bed with him ## Footnote This act signifies submission and manipulation of power dynamics.

Question 51

What does the girl claim about herself in relation to the wolf?

Answer 51

She claims she is 'nobody’s meat' ## Footnote This statement reflects her assertion of autonomy and resistance.

Question 52

How does the girl 'tame' the wolf?

Answer 52

By having sex with him, the 'tender' wolf lying in her arms on Christmas morning ## Footnote This interaction can be interpreted as a reversal of traditional roles and empowerment.

Question 53

What does the girl do to the wolf's clothes, and what is its significance?

Answer 53

She throws his clothes into the fire, preventing him from turning into a man again ## Footnote This act symbolizes the stripping away of his power and identity.

Question 54

How does the girl gain authority over the wolf?

Answer 54

By stripping the shirt off his back and dominating him ## Footnote This action represents a shift in power dynamics, showcasing her control in the situation.