Teenager Image in American Folklore
Abstract
This article explores the image of teenagers in American folklore, analyzing how folk narratives, legends, and myths portray adolescence. Using the IMRAD structure, the study examines recurring themes such as rebellion, heroism, transformation, and social belonging. The literature review synthesizes scholarly perspectives on folklore’s role in shaping teenage identity. The methodology employs a qualitative approach, analyzing a corpus of American folktales featuring teenage protagonists. Results reveal dominant archetypes, including tricksters, reluctant heroes, and seekers of wisdom. The discussion interprets these findings within cultural and historical contexts, linking folklore to contemporary youth narratives. The conclusion underscores folklore’s lasting impact on teenage identity formation in American culture.
Keywords
Teenagers, American folklore, legendsHow to Cite
References
Bauman, R. (1986). Story, Performance, and Event: Contextual Studies of Oral Narrative. Cambridge University Press.
Zipes, J. (2006). Why Fairy Tales Stick: The Evolution and Relevance of a Genre. Routledge.
Dorson, R. M. (1977). American Folklore and the Historian. University of Chicago Press.
Brunvand, J. H. (1998). The Study of American Folklore: An Introduction. W. W. Norton & Company.
Leeming, D. (2000). Myths, Legends, and Folktales of America: An Anthology. Oxford University Press.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sevara Shermamatova
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
