Legend background

Content

Type: recurring pattern of narrative plot, e.g., those suggested by titles in Vanishing Hitchhiker; also, see Brunvand’s Encyclopedia of Urban Legends

Motif: the smallest meaningful component of a story;e.g., an ax as a murder weapon, or a car that won’t start

Style

1) realistic detail

2) an unpolished style

3) authentication (FOAF: friend of a friend)

Form (structure)

1) risky situation

2) worst case scenario

3) twist at the end

Function: an interpretation of the use and meaning of an item of folklore; William Bascom asserts that the overarching function of all folklore is to maintain the stability of culture; function may be either manifest (obvious) or latent (hidden); Bascom’s four functions are:

1) entertainment or amusement

2) education

3) validate culture

4) maintain conformity

Context: everything that makes up the performance situation; attention to context helps determine function

Cultural Frame of Reference (includes allusions to):

1) objects

2) stereotypes

3) attitudes or beliefs (worldview)