THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL FOLK STORIES IN CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH LITERATURE

Traditional folk stories have long served as a foundation for literary creativity, cultural continuity, and moral instruction. In contemporary English literature, these narratives continue to shape thematic structures, character archetypes, and symbolic patterns. This article explores how folk tales, myths, and legends influence modern English literary works, emphasizing their role in preserving cultural identity, enriching narrative techniques, and addressing contemporary social issues. Through a review of critical scholarship and textual analysis, the study demonstrates that folk traditions remain deeply embedded in contemporary storytelling. By reimagining and adapting folk motifs, modern authors create works that resonate with present-day audiences while maintaining connections to collective memory and cultural heritage.