In folk stories, digressions and insertions can embody information about th
e narrator's storytelling strategy. A recently collected Belizean folktale
demonstrates this. In a digression, the narrator leaves the narrative conte
xt. An insertion is where one part of the narrative intrudes on another. A
digression may clarify the narrator's job, provide commentary, or explain t
he story. An insertion may reinforce a point or increase suspense while ela
borating on setting.