The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #127487   Message #3730987
Posted By: Lighter
17-Aug-15 - 06:04 PM
Thread Name: lyr/Origins: Pretty polly (Knife in the Window)
Subject: RE: lyr/Origins: Pretty polly (Knife in the Window)
> Why do these earlier scholars assume that if two ballads are on the same theme one always has to derive from the other?

It demonstrates their perceptive powers while flattering their assumptions about the wonders of the folk process.