Reading Notes: Brer Rabbit, Part A

For the current unit, my Myth and Folklore class had the option to choose between Asian and African units for our reading. This week, I have chose to focus on the African unit, specifically African Tales in the Americas: Brer Rabbit. Brer Rabbit, a series of folktales, recounts the stories of Brer Rabbit and other anthropomorphic animals in the American South. Written in the original dialect, our reading is taken from Joel Chandler Harris's book Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings. 

Joel Chandler Harris's book

From today's readings, I liked one story in particular. In the classic Brer Rabbit: The Wonderful Tar Baby, Brer Rabbit is tricked by Brer Fox, with a unique device of the fox's own creation. 

Brer Rabbit: The Wonderful Tar Baby

In this story, Brer Fox devises a plan to trap Brer Rabbit. Mr. Fox's motivations for trapping Brer Rabbit are never explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit are casual enemies. Brer Fox forms a baby out of tar, and places the tar baby at the edge of the road. Brer Rabbit stumbles upon the tar baby while Brer Fox watches from nearby. Mr. Rabbit begins to argue with the baby, frustrated that it did not return his greeting. Ultimately, Brer Rabbit strikes the tar baby, becoming terribly stuck. Eventually, Brer Fox reveals himself as the baby's creator. However, the story does not end with a clear resolution or explanation of how Brer Rabbit became unstuck. 

If I were to create a new iteration of the story, I would better explain why Brer Fox was conspiring against Brer Rabbit, and the results of his plan. What is the nature of the feud between Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit? Is it natural to their species, or do they have troubled pasts? What happened after Brer Fox revealed himself? 

I would also like to explore the idea of the tar baby's becoming animated, and serving as its own character in the story. How might the baby feel about being a tool for revenge? Do his or her sympathies lie with Brer Rabbit, or with Brer Fox?