Digression and Insertion in a Belizean Folktale

In folk stories, digressions and insertions can embody information about the narrator’s storytelling strategy. A recently collected Belizean folktale demonstrates this. In a digression, the narrator leaves the narrative context. An insertion is where one part of the narrative intrudes on another. A digression may clarify the narrator’s job, provide commentary, or explain the story. An insertion may reinforce a point or increase suspense while elaborating on setting.