American Tall Tales and Legends

Unit Review Sheet

Facts and Definitions

Lesson 1: Story Genres

• Myths are stories that explain the existence of a natural phenomenon and often involve gods and goddesses.
• Legends are unverifiable stories, told as if they might be true, about people and their actions or deeds.
• Trickster tales are stories with a protagonist, usually a small animal, who uses his brain to defeat a larger, more aggressive animal.
• Tall tales are a unique American story form that features a larger-than-life protagonist and exaggerated details. Many tall tales are based on actual people or on a composite of actual people.
• The five regions of the United States are Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West.

Lesson 2: Tales and Legends of the Northeast

• Hyperbole is a figurative language technique that uses exaggeration for effect.

Lesson 3: Tales and Legends of the South

• Figures of speech are phrases that depart from their literal meaning.
• Animal tales have their origins in the African culture.
• The protagonist of a story is the main character.
• The antagonist of a story is the character who opposes the main character.

Lesson 4: Tales and Legends of the Midwest

• The Mississippi River played an important role in the history of the U.S.
• Many folktales with similar themes are found across different cultures.

Lesson 5: Tales and Legends of the Southwest

• Similar themes can be found in folktales across cultures.
• Transitional words and phrases help writing flow smoothly. They connect ideas.

Lesson 6: Tales and Legends of the West

• A skilled storyteller uses the right tone to engage the audience.
• Hawaii is known for its volcanoes and unique cultural traditions, such as lei-making.

Final Project: Your Own Tall Tale or Legend

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