Tall tales are stories with outrageous elements that are difficult to believe. Although the elements of tall tales are related as if they were factual, the reader knows they are exaggerated and are meant to simply be a form of entertainment.
Tall Tale Definition
Tall tales often are told as if the narrator was part of the story, and the tone is usually light and playful. There are three key characteristics of a tall tale. First, the main character is larger than life, has incredible abilities and uses strength and smarts to accomplish great things. Second, the main character is helped out by either an object or an animal. Finally, tall tales use regular language and seemingly the characters are common, everyday people. Tall tales and legends are similar, but tall tales are so exaggerated that they simply cannot be true. Legends, on the other hand, have some element of historical fact or accuracy.
Tall tales are believed to have originated in the 1800s when frontiersmen in the United States would gather around the fire and tell stories, bragging about the adventures they have had. At the time, explorers were traveling to the Wild West and had many stories to tell about it. The name, “Tall Tale”, is said to come from the fact that the heroes in the story are larger than life, as is the story itself, even if the tall tale is based on a real person.
Tall tales are often taught in classrooms as part of a literary unit or a writing unit. The stories are fun to read and analyze, and often contain a great deal of figurative language. Students will also enjoy writing their own tall tales after they have read and studied all about them.
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Try it for Free!Tall Tale Examples
- Johnny Appleseed
- Pecos Bill
- Daniel Boone
- Paul Bunyon
- Davy Crocket
- John Henry
- Casey Jones
- Old Stormalong
- Steamboat Annie
Want to learn more? Check out our educational article on Literary Genres!
How Tos about Tall Tale: Definition and Examples
How to Create a Tall Tale Writing Activity for Your Classroom
Engage students in creative storytelling by designing a tall tale writing activity that sparks their imagination and builds literacy skills. This guide helps you structure the lesson for maximum fun and learning.
Introduce tall tales with lively examples
Share classic tall tales like Paul Bunyan or Pecos Bill and discuss their exaggerated features with your class. Use read-alouds or short videos to capture attention and highlight what makes a story a tall tale.
Brainstorm outrageous characters and settings together
Encourage students to invent main characters with superhuman abilities and settings where anything can happen. Use a whiteboard or digital tool to collect ideas as a class.
Guide students to write their own tall tales
Have students draft stories featuring exaggeration, humor, and impossible feats. Remind them to make their tales playful and over-the-top, just like the stories you shared.
Share and celebrate tall tales with the class
Allow students to read their stories aloud or illustrate their favorite scenes. Display their work on a classroom bulletin board or create a digital collection. This builds confidence and a sense of community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tall Tale: Definition and Examples
What is a tall tale?
A tall tale is a story with exaggerated characters and events, often told as if they are true, but clearly impossible or unbelievable. These stories are meant to entertain and teach lessons.
How do tall tales differ from myths and legends?
Tall tales use extreme exaggeration and humor, while myths often explain natural phenomena and legends usually focus on heroic figures but stay closer to reality.
Why are tall tales important in literature?
Tall tales are important because they reflect cultural values, teach lessons, and encourage creativity and imagination in readers and listeners.
Can you give examples of famous tall tales?
Famous tall tales include stories about Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, and John Henry. These characters perform extraordinary feats that are impossible in real life.
What are common features of a tall tale?
Tall tales often feature exaggerated characters, impossible events, humor, and are told as if they are true, making them fun and memorable.
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