|
|
First, for the analysis of functional events, Propp's (1968) concept of function is adapted. The study classifies these functional events identified in Burmese folk tales into various models, according to the similarities in structural patterns. For the examination of temporal and/or causal relations between events forming the storyline of a tale, the study applies the narrative dimension of linearity, as proposed by Ochs and Capps (2001).
The results from the analysis show that, although functional events serve as the basic constituents in a tale, their combination sequences may vary, creating different structural patterns. Functional events in the narrative structures of different types of tales are found to be interconnected in different ways. Although the sequence of functional events in a tale may not be identical to that of the other, as is claimed in Propp's study, the linear and coherent storyline for a well-organised narrative structure can still be explained with Ochs and Capps’ (2001) concept of sequential meaning. The analysis of Burmese folk tales uncovers the various ways in which functional events of a folk tale are linked logically in agreement with the prevailing causality of the storyline. In a few cases, some deviations from these familiar trajectories have been observed, causing such special effects as humour.
A comparison between the two prominent structural patterns identified in the analysis of Burmese folk tales and those discussed in earlier and recent studies of folk tales from other cultures (e.g., Korean) shows that despite certain culture-specific narrative contents, tales with similar social purposes (e.g., a didactic moral purpose) exhibit similar structural patterns. This finding suggests that certain structural patterns are used commonly (if not universally) by various cultures for the similar social purpose of storytelling. At the same time, the finding also implies that although different cultures may share the same