Br'er Rabbit's Laughing Place

Br'er Rabbit found himself in a tight spot when Br'er Fox finally managed to corner him. Instead of trembling with fear, the rabbit began to chuckle and grin. Confused, Br'er Fox demanded to know what was so funny. 'Oh, nothing, Br'er Fox,' the rabbit replied, 'I was just thinking about my secret Laughing Place. It's a spot so wonderful that you can't help but laugh your troubles away.' Intrigued and greedy for a bit of joy, Br'er Fox agreed to let the rabbit go if he showed him the way. Br'er Rabbit led the fox deep into the thicket to a hollowed-out tree trunk. 'Just stick your head in there,' the rabbit whispered, 'and you'll see why it's so funny.' Br'er Fox eagerly shoved his head into the hole, only to find it was a massive hornet's nest. As the angry insects swarmed and stung him, Br'er Fox yelped and scrambled away. Br'er Rabbit rolled on the grass, howling with laughter. When the battered fox asked why he'd lied, the rabbit simply smirked and said, 'I didn't say it was your laughing place, Br'er Fox; I said it was mine!'

“I didn't say it was your laughing place, Br'er Fox; I said it was mine!”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Br'er Rabbit's Laughing Place?

The moral is that intelligence and quick thinking can overcome physical threats. It emphasizes that a smaller, weaker individual can defeat a stronger foe by using their wits.

Who are the main characters in this story?

The main characters are Br'er Rabbit, the clever trickster, and Br'er Fox, his persistent but gullible rival. In some versions, Br'er Bear also joins the Fox in being tricked.

What actually is the 'Laughing Place'?

The Laughing Place is a trap set by Br'er Rabbit. It is a hornet's nest inside a hollow tree that causes the Fox pain while providing the Rabbit with amusement.

What is the origin of the Br'er Rabbit stories?

These stories originated from the oral traditions of enslaved Africans in the American South. They fused African trickster archetypes with local elements to create a unique folklore tradition.

Why does Br'er Rabbit trick the other animals?

As a physically smaller animal, Br'er Rabbit uses trickery as a survival mechanism. These tales often served as allegories for the oppressed finding ways to outsmart their oppressors.

Is this story part of the Uncle Remus collection?

Yes, it was famously recorded by Joel Chandler Harris in his 19th-century Uncle Remus books. These books brought the oral folk tales to a much wider literary audience.