Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

James H. Jones. "Commonplace and Memorization in the Oral Tradition of the English and Scottish Popular Ballads." Journal of American Folklore, 74:97-112.

In an attempt to illustrate the technique of oral composition in the ballad form from the point of view of the singer's needs, he applies Parry-Lord theory to ballad structure, renouncing rote memorization as the primary vehicle of transmission. Sections on (1) the work of Parry and Lord, (2) the descriptive inadequacy of the Sharp-Gerould approach to oral tradition, (3) the commonplace, (4) the theme, and (5) the illustration of these principles in an example ballad, "Johnie Scot." See further the reply by Friedman (1961).
Area: BR, FB, CP