Scandinavian Folklore Motives in the Edith Pattou's Novel East

Student: Balashova Polina

Educational Programme: Philology (Bachelor)

Final Grade: 7

Year of Graduation: 2021

Edith Pattou's novel East also known as North Child in the UK and Australia was published in 2003. It was also 2003 ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults. The novel's plot is based on a Norwegian folk tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon. However, Edith Pattou improves the fairy tale using multiple narrators and adding some details to the narrative that are of interest to modern American readers. Therefore, the novel becomes unique to the study. As a result, this work will explore the interweaving of the Scandinavian folk tradition and modern American culture and the modern audience's demands. This work will provide insights into why Scandinavian folk motifs became popular in America in the 20th and 21st centuries and also interprets the common folklore motifs used by the author.

Full text (added May 25, 2021)

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