Br'er Rabbit Tricks Br'er Fox

The moral is that intelligence and quick thinking can overcome physical threats and deception. It highlights how the underdog can succeed by using their brain instead of brawn.

Br'er Rabbit uses psychology by claiming that truly dead foxes always shout and kick their legs. Br'er Fox, wanting to appear convincingly dead, follows the instructions and reveals he is actually alive.

While these are traditional African-American folktales, they were most famously compiled and published by Joel Chandler Harris in the late 19th century. They have since become a staple of American folklore.

These stories originated from the oral traditions of enslaved Africans brought to the Americas. They often feature trickster animals like the Hare, which were common in West African mythology.

He is a trickster because he lacks physical strength but survives through cunning, mischief, and the exploitation of his enemies' weaknesses. He represents the survival of the oppressed through wit.

The trick serves as a test of the Fox's pride and gullibility. It demonstrates that the Rabbit understands his enemy's psychology better than the Fox understands the Rabbit's.