Story Summary
In Br'er Rabbit and the Tar Baby, a clever rabbit gets stuck in a sticky trap set by Br'er Fox but uses reverse psychology to escape into the briar patch.
Br'er Fox was tired of Br'er Rabbit always getting the best of him, so he mixed up a batch of tar and turpentine and fashioned it into a figure he called a Tar Baby. He placed it on the side of the road and hid in the bushes. Soon, Br'er Rabbit came sauntering along. He tipped his hat to the Tar Baby, but the figure said nothing. Offended by its rudeness, Br'er Rabbit shouted, 'If you don't say hello, I'm going to hit you!' When the Tar Baby remained silent, Br'er Rabbit punched it, and his fist got stuck. He kicked it, and his feet got stuck. Finally, he butted it with his head, becoming completely entangled. Br'er Fox stepped out, laughing at his prize. He began discussing how to cook the rabbit, but the clever rabbit pleaded, 'Do whatever you want with me, Br'er Fox—roast me, hang me, or skin me—but please, please don't fling me in that briar patch!' Thinking he was inflicting the worst possible punishment, the Fox tossed him right into the middle of the thorns. Br'er Rabbit landed on his feet, shook himself off, and shouted back, 'Born and bred in a briar patch, Br'er Fox! Born and bred!'
The Moral
Never let pride and temper lead you into a trap, and always use your wits to turn a disadvantage into an escape.
“Please, Br'er Fox, don't fling me in that briar patch!”
Fun Fact
The Br'er Rabbit stories were part of an oral tradition used by enslaved African Americans to represent the triumph of the weak over the strong through cleverness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Br'er Rabbit and the Tar Baby?
The moral is to keep your cool and use your intellect to overcome difficult situations. It also warns that pride and a quick temper can lead one straight into a trap.
Why did Br'er Rabbit want to be thrown in the briar patch?
He didn't actually want to be hurt; he used reverse psychology to trick Br'er Fox into throwing him into the one place where he was safe and his pursuer couldn't follow.
What are the origins of the Br'er Rabbit stories?
These tales originated in West African folklore, specifically featuring the trickster hare, and were brought to America by enslaved people who adapted them into the Br'er Rabbit cycle.
Who is the antagonist in Br'er Rabbit and the Tar Baby?
Br'er Fox is the primary antagonist who creates the Tar Baby trap to finally catch and eat his long-time rival, Br'er Rabbit.
What does the Tar Baby symbolize?
In the context of the story, the Tar Baby represents a situation that becomes worse the more one fights against it with anger rather than logic.
Is Br'er Rabbit considered a trickster figure?
Yes, Br'er Rabbit is a classic trickster archetype who succeeds not through physical strength, but through his superior wit and ability to manipulate his enemies.
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