What are some common features of folktales?

• A. Written tradition and dense prose
• B. Oral tradition and moral lessons
• C. Complex character development and modern themes
• D. Historical accuracy and scientific explanations

Answer: (B)

Folktales are often characterized by their oral tradition and the inclusion of moral lessons. They have been passed down through generations, typically shared orally before being transcribed into written form. This oral tradition allows folktales to adapt and evolve over time, reflecting the values and beliefs of the culture from which they originate.

The presence of moral lessons is also fundamental to folktales. They often serve to convey important life lessons, ethical values, or cultural wisdom to listeners, especially children. These stories use relatable characters and conflicts to illustrate consequences of actions, making the lessons memorable and impactful.

The other options do not accurately represent the essence of folktales. While complex character development and modern themes may be more characteristic of contemporary literature, folktales tend to focus on simpler characters serving symbolic functions. Historical accuracy and scientific explanations are typically not components of folktales, which often prioritize narrative and thematic elements over factual correctness. Additionally, a written tradition with dense prose does not align with the oral storytelling style that defines folktales.