One of the most interesting topics in literature is "folklore." Folklore is a subject that rides between reality and myth. One author, Toni Morrison, uses folklore to entrap her readers and leave them wondering, "is this real?" Through the use of folklore Morrison is able to construct a novel, Beloved, complete with plot, complex characters and theme, which has extra depth. As she incorporates elements of folklore, she adds dimension to the characters and the stories they tell. Narration of her novel becomes based on story telling, a primary element in folklore. Songs, ghosts, peculiar behavior of animals, haunted houses, even nature reflect the activity of 124.
             The use of folklore adds depth and life to any literary work. Folklore is the traditional beliefs, legends, and practices of people passed down orally. Bascom gives a more intelligent definition of folklore. According to Bascom,
             In addition to its role in transmitting culture from one generation to another, and to providing ready rationalization when beliefs or attitudes are called into question, folklore is used in some societies to apply social pressure to those who would deviate from accepted norms. Moreover, even the function of amusement cannot be accepted today as a complete answer, for it is apparent that beneath a good deal of humor lies a deeper meaning, and that folklore serves as a psychological escape from man repressions, not only sexual, which society imposes on the individual (Bascom, 33).
             In addition, Bascom goes on to continue his definition by stating, "... all institutions, traditions, customs, beliefs, attitudes, and crafts are transmitted orally, by verbal instructions and by example"(28). As with any story or narrative, things can change as the story is passed on from time to time. "In the course of this retelling or redoing, change occurs each time new variations are introduced, and again these innovations ar...