Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

James Mellard. "Prolegomena to a Study of the Popular Mode in Narrative." Journal of Popular Culture, 6:1-19.

Popular narrative, a bridge between oral and written modes, depends upon formulaic structures (narrative and phraseological both) for its audience appeal. While these formulaic structures, endemic to oral traditions, may be imitated and adapted to various effects in written narrative, the popular mode is ultimately universal.
Area: TH, CN