Review of Storytelling as Literature

Paper Summary:

The first part of this paper studies the literature examining hidden meanings, cultural norms and morals that are embedded in myths and fairy tales. The second part of the paper looks at how these meanings and cultural norms get imbued and reproduced in the minds of their audience primarily children.. In the third part, this paper looks at how psychologists like Bruno Bettelheim maintain that storytelling can serve a therapeutic value for the individual. Finally, the paper studies literature concerning how myths also serve an ideological purpose and, through critical appropriation, how these stories could also have a subversive value.

Storytelling Review of Literature
Cultural Meanings
Transmission of Cultural Norms
Therapeutic Uses of Fairy Tales
Fairy Tales as Ideology
Critical Appropriations
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"One aspect common to all cultures is the aspect of mythology. In The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell (1988) defines a myth as "stories about gods" (22). These stories, however, serve two distinct functions. Myths serve to explain natural phenomena and help people to locate their place within the natural order. Myths also serve a sociological purpose, by linking a person to a particular social group."

More papers on Review of Storytelling as Literature:

• Research Paper # 25686 : "Teaching Children Literature"
• Essay # 68338 : "The Multiple Intelligence Theory "
• Analytical Essay # 61417 : "Critical Discourse Analysis"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: