Juan Bobo: A Folkloric Information System and Foreward.

After reading all of the folktales of Foreward, I realized that each one has a message or moral. I favored the Ant in Search of Her Leg, because even though it has a very comical aspect to it, the underlying message is that "God is in control." I really enjoyed the process in which the ant attempted to recover her leg. She went through many different outlets to find an answer. I thought the creativity in this story grasps the reader's attention. I was very intrigued after the first direction that was made to the ant. The main focus of this reading, is how folklore ties in with the culture of Puerto Rico. Juan Bobo is the focal point. He is known as a big time trickster. What is interesting and is highlighted several times in Juan Bobo: A Folkloric Information System by Sarai Lastra, is how a figure like Juan plays such a huge role in the cultural development of folklore in Puerto Rico. Another thing that is very interesting is the diversity in Puerto Rico that allows the stories of Juan Bobo to be told in many different tongues without changing the entirety or message of the stories. What is very interesting and is actually something that I learned from this reading is the different categories in which folklores are placed into. For example, Juan  Bobo's stories are categorized in a "k motif." Overall, both readings goes hand in hand as they focus on the same idea. One gives the examples and the other gives the history and the relevance and how it relates to Puerto Rico and folklore culture.

Living Folklore by Martha Sims/ Chap 2 of Craft of Research

Whenever I hear the term "folklore" I think of an old fashioned story that is usually told by grandparents. Folklore as being "old" is highlighted to be a misconception by Sims. After reading, I am more aware of the variety of things that constitutes what folklore is. Folklore is said to be found in informal interactions, this information is new to me, because of my prior belief that it is merely about old time stories. To my surprise, Sims mentions that folklore is about how we learn, and how we make meaning of the world we live in. Another thing that Sims notes that I find interesting, is that folklore touches every part of human experience. It can be found in many disciplines that we study in and outside of school. We learn things that we have never learned before from others and that is folklore. In terms of tradition, folklore has been surrounded and influenced by it. Folklore is shared through tradition which should always be continuous just as Sims mentions. Tradition is what we share and how or the process in which it is done. Both Folklore and Tradition are correlated as information is shared through others, and through different processes. Chapter two of The Craft of Research, highlights how a researcher should connect to his or her audience. It lists a lot of useful tips that can be used to improve one's research. One thing that a researcher should keep in mind is the audience which the information is presented to.

Blog #2 Prologue/Chap 1 The Craft of Research

Whenever I hear the word "research" I get very anxious as it can get very difficult at times, especially finding the right articles to support your argument. After reading the Prologue and the first chapter of The Craft of Research, I am more aware of the different ways to go about a research process. The most important thing when doing a research is to map out what you're going to be addressing or having a plan. "Thinking in Print" is very important because it allows you to explore different areas in your writing, that can eventually be improved. After reading Chapter one, I realize how important it is to do so.

Aesop Fables, and the Role of Fables in Human Life.

I found the fables given to be very interesting to read. With each fable, there was a lesson or moral to be learned. What I found interesting, was the variety of lessons that can be drawn varying from strength to power. Edward Clayton in his excerpt, mentions the importance of fables to Human society. Surprisingly, we have a lot in common with fables when it comes to morals, behaviors, and attitudes. We somewhat embody similar traits to the animals that were exemplified in the fables. What drew my attention was Clayton's mention of Aristotle belief that Fables are an "effective method of arguing." Aristotle also said that they are useful in politics, which makes sense because politicians often uses rhetoric as a form to persuasion to convince their audience why they are the right person for the position or to vote for them. Another thing that I found interesting was Clayton's distinction of animals and humans. As humans, we have the ability to reason, unlike animals who cannot refrain from their desires. Also as humans we can alter our way of life accordingly, while this may be a weak factor for animals. Overall, Fables explore moral discipline throughout all aspect of life.