CHAPTER ONE1.0 INTRODUCTION1.1 PURPOSE OF STUDYThe purpose of study of this essay is to examine the aesthetic features and social relevance of folktales in Okpara Inland community of Delta State.The educational relevance of the folktales, the effectiveness of the oral artist’s performance is measured by the influence of his stories on the young people. They are expected to derive knowledge and wisdom from these stories and through these stories they would become acquainted with the customs and ways of life of the people. Usually the tale represents vices like greed, wickedness, jealousy and laziness. So the main purpose of the topic is to make people see beyond the tales and realize its beauty and relevance to the society.SCOPE OF STUDYIn writing on the aesthetic features and social relevance of folktales in Okpara Inland,there seems to be no better way to commence than to highlight the fact that Okpara Inland folktales like all other folktales are communal works of art with social values.Aesthetic features such as symbolism, personification will be discussed; such basic functions of these tales such as entertainment, preservation of culture and education which is a major social relevance will not be left undiscussed.METHODOLOGYThe method adopted in the writing of this essay involves the use of internet research, use of related materials,such as F.B.O.Akporobaro’s Introduction to African Oral Literature, Anthony Obakponovwe Ukere’s Esia, will also be useful in the course of this essay and other books on oral literature in general which will be highlighted in the works cited.

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