Introduction:

    As you've progressed through our mythology unit, you've read many classical myths about gods, goddesses, heroes, and the creation of the world.  However, one common misconception about myths is that they are "someone else's" stories.  In other words, we tend to believe that myths apply to other cultures, not our own.  Therefore, this assignment will challenge that idea and ask you to consider the following:  what myths shape American culture?  And what do those stories say about us and our values?

Task:

    Research and review common American folktales.  Using the information you've gathered, write a research-based, persuasive essay answering the following:

What do American folktales reveal about the morals and values of modern American culture?

Process:

1.    Research and review some common American folktales.  Use the following sources:

• Any of the web sites listed below.
• Any encyclopedias or books available in our library.
• Any encyclopedias or books available at your public library.

• What do the stories you are reading have in common?
• What morals/values do they seem to represent?
• What connections do these stories have to our modern American culture?

4.    Your final essay must accomplish the following:

• Have a unified thesis connecting American folktales to American values.
• Reference 3-5 American folktales consistently.
• Use quotes and/or footnotes where appropriate.
• Include a correctly formatted bibliography.
• Be at least five paragraphs in length.
• Follow the conventions established in class for formal, academic writing.

Resources:

American Folklore
(Very short, simple entires; covers a variety of American folktales)

Blackmask Online
(Much more detailed entries; harder to find stories; regionally specific)

Tall Tales
(Overly simplistic writing; covers the most famous American 'tall tales')

American Mythology
(NOT an archive of stories; interesting article that puts American mythology in perspective.)

Conclusion:

    Now that you have developed and written your essay, look back at the myths we have read in class and reconsider them.  They do not exist just as "fantasy" stories of gods, heroes, and monsters.  Instead, they represent the morals and values of the cultures that created them.  In mythology, as well as storytelling in general, the tales we tell represent the people we are and the beliefs that we share.  In the context of our semester theme ("Where does personal identity come from?"), realize that you too have been shaped by the stories and myths that represent our American character and values.