Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Patricia Arant. "Excursus on the Theme in Russian Oral Epic Song." In Studies presented to Professor Roman Jakobson by His Students. Ed. Charles E. Gribble. Cambridge, MA: Slavic Publishers. pp. 9-16.

Study of two themes (or "thematic systems"), each of which can take two forms, in the byliny of the oral singer Rjabinin. Notes the basic structure and adaptability of each in various situations. Emphasizes the conservative nature of a singer's theme and the role of the traditional unit in oral composition.
Area: RU