Writing Tall Tales

Background Information

A tall tale is a story that has these features:

A larger-than-life, or superhuman, main character with a specific job.

A problem that is solved in a funny way.

Exaggerated details that describe things as greater than they really are.

Characters who use everyday language.

Settlers who made their homes in the American wilderness first told tall tales. In those days, before TV and movies, people depended on storytelling for entertainment. After a long day's work, people gathered to tell each other funny tales.

Each group of workers-loggers, cowboys, railroad and steel workers-had its own tall-tale hero. Having a superhuman hero with the same job somehow made their lives easier. Perhaps it gave them strength or courage to do their difficult and dangerous work.