Matthew Rosenthal
Response to "The Sociopsychological Analysis of Folktales" by J. L. Fischer
J. L. Fischer argues that "folktales may be regarded as a major division of expressive culture, which also includes drama, ritual, music, graphic and plastic art, dance, etc., and may be contrasted with practical culture, including technology, economy, politics, and social structure" (236). It is interesting, though, how folktales are directly influenced by the technology, economy, politics, and social structure of a society. Conflict and resolution, the core of most dramatic folktales, almost always stems from one of these aspects and the circumstances they create. People-to-people interaction, conversation, and politics fuel folktale growth and influence.
People and society may create folktales, but once created, they become self-perpetuating-- out of previous stories spawn thousands of variations, and even written/recorded accounts. The folktales then diffuse into other cultural groups; they serve to teach lessons and to entertain, but also to coerce the many divided human cultures into a constantly expanding "universal culture."
What would happen if folktales didn't exist? Is that even possible?
Matt I strongly believe with your idea that it is really difficult to imagine life without folktales, every child grows up with bedtime stories and learns lessons through them. I also agree that each tale pertains to the society they were created in. Culture specific tales are also capable of being transcribed and related to different eithnics.
ReplyDeleteMatt I agree with you on how it is fascinating on how folktales are influenced by technology, economy, politics, and social structure of a society. But it never seemed liked it because whenever we read a folktale we learn a new lesson about life. I also agree with you on how it will be impossible for folktales to not exist because every child growing up heard stories no matter what country they are in or what year it was.
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