Write a brief structural analysis of a folktale employing the functions outlined in Vladimir Propp’s Morphology of the Folktale , which discusses the structure of folktales in terms of dramatis personae and functions.

Assignment Description:

Write a brief structural analysis of a folktale employing the functions outlined in Vladimir Propp’s Morphology of the Folktale , which discusses the structure of folktales in terms of dramatis personae and functions. (You may find pages 19-65, 79-83, and 96-99 in Propp’s book particularly helpful)

Select one folk or fairy tale from our readings that lends itself well to such structural analysis. I will provide you with short stories later

Briefly introduce the tale and its title, content, and source. Then conduct a structural analysis of the tale, where you enumerate the dramatis personae (i.e. characters defined as such by their spheres of action) and list as many sequential “functions” as you can find that you think are significant in the overall composition of the tale. After identification and categorization, please then discuss how these small parts come together to function as a whole. In your conclusion, you should reflect on the usefulness and shortcomings of this approach for the interpretation of this tale or tales in general. What is the value of this approach? How does knowing this “formula” for writing folk and fairy tales change your understanding of texts from your own childhood?

Please use MLA style in-text citations, but a Works Cited page is not necessary

Length:

750-1000 words of double-spaced text using a twelve-point font and with one-inch margins (going over word count is alright as long as it is fairly close to 1000 words)

Assessment:

You will be evaluated according to the clarity of your writing, your understanding of Propp’s principles, the accuracy of your interpretation, and the validity of your argument as supported by concrete examples from your primary and secondary sources (i.e. your folk or fairy tale and Propp’s text as well as the ideas from lecture about Aarne-Thompson-Uther Index and Olrik’s Laws). The degree to which you are thoughtful and reflective in the conclusion will also have a positive impact on your evaluation. Excellent articles deserve praise and tips

Requirements: 750-1000 words