Story Summary
Discover the classic African-American folk tale Br'er Rabbit and the Briar Patch, where a clever rabbit uses reverse psychology to outsmart a hungry fox.
Br'er Fox had finally caught Br'er Rabbit, and he was determined to make an end of him. 'I think I'll roast you,' Br'er Fox said, licking his chops. Br'er Rabbit, keeping his wits about him, looked terrified. 'Roast me if you must,' he pleaded, 'but please, Br'er Fox, whatever you do, don't fling me in that briar patch!' Br'er Fox reconsidered. 'Maybe I'll hang you instead.' Br'er Rabbit trembled. 'Hang me, drown me, skin me alive! Just please, I beg of you, don't fling me in that briar patch!' Convinced that the briars were the rabbit's greatest fear, Br'er Fox seized him by the hind legs and hurled him right into the middle of the sharp, tangled thicket. A moment later, Br'er Rabbit's voice drifted back, cheerful and mocking. He was perched on a log on the far side, combing the stickers from his coat. 'Born and bred in the briar patch, Br'er Fox!' he shouted with a laugh. 'Born and bred!'
The Moral
Wit and cleverness are more powerful than physical strength, and reverse psychology can be a powerful tool for survival.
“Please, Br'er Fox, don't fling me in that briar patch!”
Fun Fact
Br'er Rabbit served as a cultural symbol for enslaved people, representing how the small and seemingly weak could outmaneuver powerful oppressors through guile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Br'er Rabbit and the Briar Patch?
The moral is that intelligence and quick thinking can overcome physical force. It teaches that knowing your environment and your enemy's weaknesses is the key to escaping difficult situations.
How does Br'er Rabbit use reverse psychology?
Br'er Rabbit repeatedly begs Br'er Fox not to throw him into the briar patch, knowing that the Fox wants to cause him the most pain possible. By pretending to fear the patch, he tricks the Fox into throwing him exactly where he is safest.
Why was the briar patch safe for Br'er Rabbit?
Br'er Rabbit was 'born and bred' in the briar patch, meaning he was accustomed to the thorns and knew how to navigate them. To him, the thicket was a fortress that provided protection from larger predators like the fox.
Who originally wrote the Br'er Rabbit stories?
The stories originated from African oral traditions brought to the Americas by enslaved people. They were later compiled and popularized in the 19th century by Joel Chandler Harris in his Uncle Remus collections.
What are the African origins of Br'er Rabbit?
Br'er Rabbit is a trickster figure rooted in West African folklore, specifically the character of the hare (Eshu or Ajapa) and sharing many traits with Anansi the Spider. These characters represented the triumph of the underdog.
Is the Tar-Baby story related to this tale?
Yes, the 'Tar-Baby' is often the prequel to this story. Br'er Fox uses a figure made of tar to trap the rabbit, leading directly to the scene where the fox decides how to dispose of his captive.
