A Comparative Study of Space and Time Transference of Main Characters in British and Armenian Fairy Tales

Abstract

The paper presents a comparative study of space and time transference of main characters in British and Armenian fairy tales, with pointing out convergent and divergent features of expressing these notions in a folkloristic text. The analysis shows that similarities prevail over differences.  In both British and Armenian fairy tales spatial transference takes priority over the temporal one, when the main characters’ adventures or heroic deeds are presented; temporal transference is more common when evil deeds are described, especially the ones that happen at night. Besides, tragic and evil events are likely to take place more in enclosed areas than in open places.  The numbers three and seven occurring in British and Armenian fairy tales have the same symbolic meanings. The differences concern the numerical indication of time points usually observed in British fairy tales and the presentation of the narrative space, which is somewhat different in view of the diverse country landscape of England and Armenia. While the opening formulas are almost identical, the closing formulas in Armenian tales reveal some differences, ending with a reward for the listener and teller of the fairy tale as well as with blessings and behests directed to the listener.