Story Summary
Discover the classic Caribbean trickster tale of Compé Lapin and the Tar Baby. See how the clever rabbit escapes Compé Zamba's sticky trap using his wits.
Compé Lapin was a clever scoundrel who constantly stole from Compé Zamba’s garden. Fed up, Zamba fashioned a figure out of sticky black tar, dressed it in a hat, and sat it by the garden gate. When Lapin passed by, he offered a polite greeting. Receiving no reply from the silent Tar Baby, Lapin took offense. "Speak to me, or I'll slap you!" he threatened. He struck the figure, and his paw stuck fast. He kicked with his feet and butted with his head until he was completely ensnared. Zamba emerged, laughing at his prize. Thinking quickly, Lapin pleaded, "Do anything you want with me, Compé Zamba—roast me, drown me—but please, whatever you do, don't throw me into the briar patch!" Believing the briars were a place of torture, Zamba hurled the rabbit into the thicket. Lapin landed on his feet, shouted his thanks for being returned to his home, and hopped away, once again outsmarting his rival.
The Moral
Even in a desperate situation, quick thinking and reverse psychology can turn a trap into an escape.
“Do anything you want with me, but please, don't throw me into the briar patch!”
Fun Fact
This story originated in West African folklore and was brought to the Caribbean and the Americas by enslaved people, eventually evolving into various regional versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Compé Lapin and the Tar Baby?
The story teaches that intelligence and cool-headedness can overcome physical traps. It also highlights the danger of letting pride and anger cloud one's judgment during a conflict.
Who is Compé Lapin in Caribbean folklore?
Compé Lapin, or Brother Rabbit, is a central trickster figure in French-Creole Caribbean stories. He represents the small and weak using their wits to defeat larger, more powerful opponents.
How does Compé Lapin escape the Tar Baby?
He uses reverse psychology by begging his captor not to throw him into the briar patch. When his captor does exactly that, Lapin reveals the briars are his safe home and escapes.
What does the Tar Baby symbolize?
The Tar Baby symbolizes a trap that gets worse the more you struggle against it with anger. It represents a situation where a calm mind is required instead of brute force.
Is Compé Lapin the same as Br'er Rabbit?
Yes, they share the same West African roots, particularly the Hare traditions. Compé Lapin is the specific version found in the Francophone Caribbean, such as Haiti and Guadeloupe.
Why did Compé Zamba create the Tar Baby?
Compé Zamba was tired of Compé Lapin stealing vegetables from his garden. He created the sticky trap to catch the thief red-handed and finally put an end to the rabbit's mischief.
Discussion (0)
Share your thoughts on this story
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
