Example research essay topic: Folklore And Stephen Vincent Benet - 1,074 words

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In 1898, Stephen Vincent Benet was born into a military family in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He had an older brother and one sister, all of who became well known authors of the 20 th century. As Stephen grew up he constantly heard folktales that had been passed down from generation to generation, and as he began to write books, his great knowledge of folklore becomes evident. In the story, The Devil and Daniel Webster, Benet writes a classic short story about how a normal human could soften the hearts of not only 12 of the most ruthless and heartless criminals in the history of the USA, but also the heart of the Devil himself. The elements that classify it as a folk lore is the fact that it is very unlikely to happen, the story contains many characters that are the classic stereotypes and it ends with a general truth about life.

In actual life, the situation that is presented in The Devil and Daniel Webster is highly unlikely to happen which is one element that qualifies it as folklore. In the first chapter of the book, Jabez Stone and the devil strike up a deal, and they went out behind the barn and made their bargain. (TD& DW 197). Although some may argue that this is possible, it is still very unlikely to actually happen in real life. In Benet's Readers Encyclopedia, it tells us how his father encouraged Benet to pursue writing, His interest in literature, left his mark on his children (Benet's Readers Encyclopedia 162) Using his fathers love for literature, Benet began to aim his life toward literature. A selection from The Devil and Daniel Webster says, For the glitter was gone from the eyes of judge and jury, and, for the moment, they were men again, and knew they were men. (TD& DW 207) This selection shows just how unlikely the story is to happen because Benet is suggesting that mire human could change the views of some of the most ruthless men in history, something that could not be done by any other man during their lives. And one of the most unbelievable selections is, One and all, they came into the room with the fires of hell still upon them (TD& DW 204) Benet is suggesting that 12 men were brought back from the fires of hell to sit on the jury for the trail of Jabez Stone.

Although it is widely believed that Jesus was brought back from hell to rise again, nowhere does it ever suggest in the Bible that the devil has the power to bring back the dead at his will. The next element that draws it to the folklore category is that every character in it is a classic example of a stereotype. In Benet's Readers Encyclopedia of American Literature, it states how Benet turned from poetry to exciting fictional stories, Meanwhile Benet had turned to prose fiction. (Benet's Readers Encyclopedia of American Literature 87) The main character of the story, Jabez Stone, is a great stereotype of a God fearing and humble man who is down on his luck. Benet shows us how Jabez Stone is an upright man by telling us, He wasnt a bad man to start with, but he was an unlucky man. (TD& DW 196) Jabez stone is a perfect example of how many view a 19 th century farmer as, barely getting by, respecting his life and being thankful no matter how little they had, but still wishing for more. The next stereotype is that of the devil. Benet describes his as, a soft-spoken, dark dressed stranger (TD& DW 197) This is a clear stereotype of how many view the devil, although no one truly knows what form the devil will take when he approaches us, the stereotype of the devil being a dark dressed stranger is highly accepted as how the devil appears.

Benet shows his knowledge of local folklore by using the nickname that many called him in the area where he grew up, Perhaps Scratch will do for the evening. Im often called that in these regions. (TD& DW 202) Next is the strong-willed, fearless patriot, Mr. Daniel Webster. Daniel Webster is a great man that many admired for his courage and strength in times of anguish. Daniel Webster represents the protagonist that one loves to love. There were thousands that trusted him right next to God Almighty (TD& DW 195) Benet shows us just how well respected and loved a man Daniel Webster was, he is that classic knight in shining armor in this story.

And the last element that classifies the story as folklore, is that a truth is presented to the reader, and no matter how old the book is, the truth remains true. The main lesson is clear, that one should always accept the consequences of ones action, and if one doesnt, be ready to fight for it. So it is an honest speech, it does not matter what men say. (TD& DW 210) Benet is trying to teach us that as long as the truth is spoken, no criticism will stand against it. Benet incorporates another lesson into the story, And, if I am, Ill still be Daniel Webster. (TD& DW 209), he is saying that no matter what the world labels you as, you are still the same person that God created on this earth. Benet also tried to convey to the reader that no matter how much the odds are against one, one could still persevere.

And one last lesson that the story shows us is that even sin can be over some by any person who is steadfast in their beliefs, but even the damned may salute the eloquence of Mr. Webster. (TD& DW 208) Not only is The Devil and Daniel Webster and entertaining story, many lessons are also learned that will stay true for as long as time itself. The classic story, The Devil and Daniel Webster, is a perfect example of folklore, for it contains every element necessary to be considered in this category. The story contains a very unlikely situation, characters that are excellent stereotypes of how we view people and lessons are learned that remain true throughout time.

This story is a great folklore that incorporates every element flawlessly into a highly entertaining story of how a man, under overwhelming odds, surpasses the devil to beat him at his own game.

Research essay sample on Folklore And Stephen Vincent Benet