Digression and insertion in a Belizean folktale

Authors
Citation
Cr. Thomas, Digression and insertion in a Belizean folktale, J AM FOLKL, 113(448), 2000, pp. 185-194
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Literature
Journal title
JOURNAL OF AMERICAN FOLKLORE
ISSN journal
00218715 → ACNP
Volume
113
Issue
448
Year of publication
2000
Pages
185 - 194
Database
ISI
SICI code
0021-8715(200021)113:448<185:DAIIAB>2.0.ZU;2-5
Abstract
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.