Story Summary
In this Gullah Geechee classic, Brer Rabbit Outsmarts Brer Fox by using his wits to escape a sticky situation and return safely to his home in the briar patch.
Brer Fox was tired of Brer Rabbit always getting the better of him, so he crafted a figure out of tar and turpentine to catch the meddlesome rabbit. When Brer Rabbit happened upon the 'Tar Baby' and found it wouldn't speak back, he grew angry and struck it, becoming hopelessly stuck. Brer Fox emerged from the bushes, laughing at his captive. He began debating how best to finish the rabbit off—perhaps by roasting him or hanging him. Thinking quickly, Brer Rabbit began to wail and plead, 'Do whatever you want with me, Brer Fox! Roast me, hang me, or skin me alive! But please, for the love of mercy, don't throw me in that briar patch!' Thinking he was delivering the most painful punishment possible, Brer Fox grabbed the rabbit and flung him deep into the thorny thicket. A moment later, Brer Rabbit’s mocking laughter rang out from the safety of the bushes as he shouted, 'Born and bred in the briar patch, Brer Fox! Born and bred!'
The Moral
Wisdom and quick thinking are more powerful than physical strength; one can often turn a perceived disadvantage into an escape.
“Born and bred in the briar patch, Brer Fox! Born and bred!”
Fun Fact
These stories were originally recorded in the Gullah dialect of the Sea Islands, serving as a vital link to West African oral history and survival strategies during slavery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Brer Rabbit Outsmarts Brer Fox?
The moral is that intelligence and psychological insight are more effective than brute force. By understanding his enemy's desire to cause him pain, Brer Rabbit uses reverse psychology to secure his freedom.
Who is the character Brer Rabbit based on?
Brer Rabbit is based on the trickster hare found in West African folklore, specifically from the Bantu and Yoruba traditions. These stories were brought to the Americas by enslaved people and adapted to the local environment.
What does 'Brer' mean in these stories?
'Brer' is a dialect contraction of 'Brother.' It is a traditional title of respect used for animal characters in Gullah Geechee and Southern African American storytelling.
What is the significance of the briar patch?
The briar patch represents a place that looks dangerous to outsiders but serves as a sanctuary for those who know it well. It symbolizes the resilience and specialized knowledge of the oppressed.
Why is this story important to Gullah Geechee culture?
These stories were a form of coded resistance, teaching that the small and seemingly weak could survive against more powerful forces. They preserved African oral traditions and cultural identity in the Sea Islands.
How did Brer Fox try to catch Brer Rabbit?
Brer Fox used a 'Tar Baby,' a figure made of sticky tar, to exploit Brer Rabbit's pride and temper. Once Brer Rabbit struck the silent figure, he became physically trapped by the adhesive material.
