Scipio Storytelling

This book discusses the art of storytelling in a small community of Southern Indiana. Based on audio-taped participant observation in the rural community of Scipio, Indiana, the author presents an analysis of storytelling performances during social events of family and friends. MacDonald discusses performative aspects such as the techniques of the storyteller and stresses the role of the audience during the story event. She also examines several genres of Scipio story, such as fish stories, old codger stories, and practical joking tales. The repertoire and style of one of the community's master storytellers is analyzed along with the attributes of a master storyteller and the passing on of the storyteller's role. Scipio Storytelling concludes with a note on the future of this storytelling style in this particular community.