Br'er rabbit

Definition

Br'er Rabbit is a character from African American folklore, primarily associated with the Uncle Remus stories written by Joel Chandler Harris in the late 19th century. He embodies cleverness and trickery, often outsmarting larger and stronger opponents through his wits. This character is a significant representation of African American oral traditions, reflecting themes of resilience and cunning in the face of oppression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Br'er Rabbit stories were first popularized in the 1880s by Joel Chandler Harris but have roots in African American oral storytelling traditions that date back to slavery.
2. The character is known for his ability to turn situations to his advantage, often using his intelligence over brute strength, which reflects the struggles faced by enslaved people.
3. Br'er Rabbit is often involved in tales featuring other characters such as Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear, who represent larger societal challenges and obstacles.
4. The stories featuring Br'er Rabbit have been adapted into various forms of media, including animated films and children's books, helping to preserve this aspect of African American folklore.
5. Br'er Rabbit's cleverness symbolizes resistance against oppression, making him an enduring symbol of survival and ingenuity within African American literature.

Review Questions

• How does Br'er Rabbit reflect the cultural values and experiences of African Americans during the time of slavery?
  • Br'er Rabbit serves as a representation of resilience and cleverness among African Americans, particularly during the time of slavery. His ability to outsmart stronger foes symbolizes the struggles of enslaved people who often had to rely on their wits to navigate oppressive systems. The stories not only entertain but also convey moral lessons about overcoming adversity through intelligence rather than strength.
• Discuss the role of Uncle Remus as a narrator in the Br'er Rabbit tales and how he contributes to the preservation of African American folklore.
  • Uncle Remus acts as a bridge between African American folklore and a wider audience through his storytelling. As a narrator, he presents Br'er Rabbit's adventures while incorporating elements of African American culture, language, and humor. This storytelling approach helps preserve important cultural narratives that might otherwise be lost, highlighting the significance of oral traditions in African American literature.
• Analyze the significance of the trickster archetype embodied by Br'er Rabbit in both African American folklore and broader literary contexts.
  • Br'er Rabbit exemplifies the trickster archetype found across many cultures, serving as a powerful symbol of resistance against authority. In both African American folklore and broader literary contexts, tricksters challenge norms and expectations through cunning and humor. By analyzing Br'er Rabbit's actions within his stories, one can see how he subverts social hierarchies and offers commentary on power dynamics. This not only enriches our understanding of the folklore but also connects it to universal themes of struggle, survival, and ingenuity that resonate across different cultures.

Related terms

Uncle Remus: A fictional character created by Joel Chandler Harris who narrates folktales that feature Br'er Rabbit and other animal characters, reflecting Southern African American culture.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through generations, often embodying moral lessons and cultural values.

Trickster Archetype: A common figure in folklore and mythology, the trickster uses intelligence and cunning to challenge authority and societal norms, often leading to humorous or transformative outcomes.