PURPOSE OF FOLKTALES
This is the term for a lesson or general truth about life often found in folktales.
What is a moral (or a lesson)?
This term describes Jack's role as the central figure who embarks on the adventure.
What is the hero (or protagonist)?
This is the typical, often impoverished, location where "Jack and the Beanstalk" begins.
What is a tradtional home, or a cottage/farm?
This event initiates the central conflict and propels Jack into his adventure.
What is selling the cow (or trading the cow for beans)?
This unusual item was the object of Jack's trade for his cow.
What are magic beans?
Besides teaching lessons, this was a primary reason for telling folktales in the past.
What is to entertain (or to pass down stories through generations)?
This is the character type that the giant, who opposes and threatens Jack, embodies.
What is the villain (or antagonist)?
In contrast to Jack's home, this is the lofty location where the giant resides.
What is a castle in the sky (or the land above the beanstalk)?
The series of escalating events involving Jack's ascents and encounters with the giant is known as this part of the plot.
What is the rising action?
This magical creature in the giant's dwelling is the source of golden riches.
What is the goose that lays golden eggs?
Beyond lessons of cleverness or bravery, this is a possible social commentary found in "Jack and the Beanstalk" regarding class or wealth.
What is to explore themes of poverty and the possibility of a better life (or social mobility)?
Jack's mother, who initiates the plot but undergoes little change, is often referred to by this character designation.
What is a flat character (or a stock character)?
Phrases like "Once upon a time" suggest this general time period for most folktales.
What is a long time ago?
The moment of highest tension, where the giant pursues Jack down the beanstalk, is called this crucial plot point.
What is the climax?
This self-playing and singing musical instrument is found in the giant's possession.
What is the magic harp?
In "Jack and the Beanstalk," this quality, demonstrated by Jack, might be seen as important in challenging circumstances.
What is resourcefulness (or cleverness and taking opportunities)?
Unlike other magical items, this object in "Jack and the Beanstalk" does not aid Jack but rather hinders him.
What is the magic harp?
The beanstalk in the story serves as this kind of connection between different realms.
What is a link between the ordinary world and a magical world?
This numerical pattern common in folktales is evident in Jack's multiple trips up the beanstalk or the number of items he takes.
What is the rule of three?
The beanstalk's rapid and immense growth defies natural laws and is therefore considered this type of element.
What is a supernatural event (or a magical transformation)?
Despite its magic, the giant's demise in "Jack and the Beanstalk" could illustrate these real-world outcomes.
What is actions have consequences (or good triumphing over evil)?
While folktales often feature purely good or bad characters, Jack displays these less than purely heroic traits.
What is stealing?
The contrasting environments in "Jack and the Beanstalk" contribute to these overall feelings and narrative ideas.
What is the difference between poverty and wealth, the ordinary and the extraordinary, and the journey between them?
This is how the central conflict with the giant is resolved, and the resulting situation for Jack and his mother.
What is the giant's death leading to Jack and his mother's prosperity?
The giant's ability to detect humans from afar and his "Fee, fi, fo, fum" are examples of these extraordinary senses or abilities.
What are supernatural senses or powers?