What characterizes tall tales?

Tall tales are characterized by exaggerated feats that often stretch the truth to create a humorous or larger-than-life narrative. These stories typically feature larger-than-life characters who engage in impossible or outrageous adventures, showcasing their remarkable skills or strength. This element of exaggeration is a defining feature of tall tales, setting them apart from other forms of storytelling.

While real-life events, moral lessons, and historical accuracy might be present in different types of stories or folklore, they do not accurately represent the essence of tall tales. Instead, the focus of tall tales is on the extraordinary nature of the events and characters, designed to entertain and amuse through hyperbole and whimsy. This emphasis on exaggeration is what makes tall tales memorable and effective in conveying the creativity of oral storytelling traditions.