The second is better termed "sociological," and has also been illustrated in an extremely interesting manner in recent writing.
A third line of approach is possible, in which both psychological and sociological factors are given due scope. If we adopt this more comprehensive method we shall have to attempt to show how determinants belonging to both orders may contribute to the development of the folk story. We shall explicitly recognise the great importance of the fact that certain of the psychological conditions involved are social in origin. While it will still be regarded as an individual expression, in the sense already described, the folk tale will be treated as such expression conditioned and defined, in the most significant manner, by factors arising peculiarly from social relationships. Moreover, it will be maintained further that to understand the mode of operation, and the effect of many of these factors, a sociological study, directed upon the character and history of social institutions, is often necessary.
In this paper I propose first to state and to criticise certain recent theories of the folk tale as a characteristically individual expression in the sense defined. Second, I shall consider briefly the treatment of the folk story from the point of view of sociology. Finally, I shall attempt an outline of a view intended to give due place both to psychological factors and also to others whose character is strictly sociological.
§ 2. The Popular Tale considered as "Individual Expression."
An excellent introduction to a purely psychological study of the folk story is afforded by a most ingenious article by Paul Hermant, in which he writes, Concerning the Fantastic in Popular Tales.[1] Hermant begins from the alleged fact that invariably the characteristic time for
- ↑ Rev. des Trad. Pop. 1902, pp. 297-317.
