Br'er rabbit

Definition

Br'er Rabbit is a central character in African American folklore, known for his cleverness and resourcefulness in outsmarting his adversaries. This trickster figure embodies themes of resilience and wit, often using intelligence over brute strength to navigate challenges, which resonates with the historical experiences of African Americans during and after slavery. Br'er Rabbit stories were passed down orally and later compiled in literary works, highlighting the importance of storytelling as a means of cultural expression and preservation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Br'er Rabbit stories originated from African American oral traditions, serving as a means of entertainment as well as a way to convey important life lessons and cultural values.
2. The character is often portrayed as smaller and weaker than his opponents, such as Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear, emphasizing the theme that intelligence can overcome physical might.
3. Br'er Rabbit's adventures often take place in the Southern United States, reflecting the social dynamics of plantation life and the struggles faced by enslaved people.
4. These stories were popularized in the late 19th century by Joel Chandler Harris through his Uncle Remus tales, which brought the character into mainstream American literature.
5. The Br'er Rabbit narratives continue to influence modern storytelling and media, showcasing the enduring legacy of African American folklore in American culture.

Review Questions

• How does the character of Br'er Rabbit serve as a symbol of resistance and resilience within African American folklore?
  • Br'er Rabbit symbolizes resistance by using his cunning and wit to navigate oppressive circumstances, making him a relatable figure for those facing adversity. His ability to outsmart larger and stronger foes highlights a key theme in African American storytelling: that intellect can prevail over brute force. This representation reflects the real-life struggles of African Americans, especially during slavery when they had to rely on their wits for survival against oppressive forces.
• In what ways do the Br'er Rabbit stories reflect the social dynamics of the Southern United States during the time they were popularized?
  • The Br'er Rabbit stories encapsulate social dynamics by portraying interactions between characters that mirror the hierarchical structures of plantation life. Br'er Rabbit often faces challenges from more powerful characters like Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear, representing oppressors. The narratives reveal insights into the lives of enslaved people, illustrating how they navigated their environment through cleverness and community support while under constant threat from those in power.
• Evaluate the impact of Joel Chandler Harris's Uncle Remus tales on the preservation and dissemination of Br'er Rabbit folklore in American literature.
  • Joel Chandler Harris's Uncle Remus tales played a crucial role in preserving Br'er Rabbit folklore by documenting these oral traditions and making them accessible to a broader audience. However, this also raised questions about cultural appropriation and representation, as Harris was a white author presenting African American stories. The tales contributed significantly to American literature by introducing complex characters that challenged racial stereotypes while simultaneously shaping perceptions of African American culture within mainstream society. Despite these complexities, Harris's work ensured that the legacy of Br'er Rabbit would endure in literary form.

Related terms

Trickster: A common character archetype in folklore who uses cunning and deception to outsmart others, often challenging social norms and expectations.

Uncle Remus:

A fictional character created by Joel Chandler Harris, who narrates the Br'er Rabbit stories in the dialect of African American slaves, providing insight into Southern culture.

Folklore: Traditional beliefs, customs, and stories passed through generations, reflecting the culture and values of a particular community.