1. Oral Transmission:
* Trickster tales are primarily oral. They are passed down through generations by word of mouth, often with variations and additions from each storyteller.
* Written stories are fixed. Once written, they are essentially static, although they may be edited or reinterpreted.
2. Purpose and Function:
* Trickster tales are often used to teach lessons. They explore themes of social order, morality, and the human condition.
* Written stories can serve many purposes, including entertainment, education, and social commentary. However, their focus may differ significantly from the moral and social lessons of trickster tales.
3. Style and Structure:
* Trickster tales are typically short and episodic. They often have a simple, repetitive structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
* Written stories can be long or short, complex or simple. Their structure and style are limited only by the author's imagination.
4. Characters:
* Trickster tales feature a central trickster character. This character is often an animal, a spirit, or a person who breaks societal norms and outwits others.
* Written stories feature a wide range of characters, and the protagonist doesn't necessarily need to be a trickster or break societal norms.
5. Tone and Humor:
* Trickster tales often have a humorous and satirical tone. They use wit and cleverness to challenge authority and societal expectations.
* Written stories can have various tones, from serious and dramatic to humorous and lighthearted.
Here is a table summarizing the differences:
| Feature | Trickster Tales | Written Stories |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Oral | Written |
| Purpose | Teach lessons | Entertainment, education, etc. |
| Style & Structure | Short, episodic, simple | Long/short, complex/simple |
| Characters | Central trickster character | Wide range of characters |
| Tone & Humor | Humorous, satirical | Various tones |
In essence, trickster tales are a unique form of oral storytelling with a specific focus on social commentary, humor, and the cleverness of the trickster character. While written stories can address similar themes, they are not bound by the same oral tradition and specific conventions that define trickster tales.