American Trickster: Trauma, Tradition and Brer Rabbit

The book "American Trickster" explores the cultural significance of the Brer Rabbit trickster figure, from his African roots to his influence on contemporary culture. It examines how the trickster has been portrayed through various cultural forms and the tensions between perpetuating damaging racial stereotypes and preserving African-American folk traditions. Brer Rabbit was reclaimed by twentieth-century African-American novelists who used him to challenge limiting stereotypes, break down social and cultural boundaries, and offer practical and psychological methods for overcoming the trauma of slavery and racism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 18 June 2019
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield International

The enigmatic figure known as the trickster has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world, driven by our innate desire to break free from the rigid confines of our societies. Trapped by the laws, rules, and conventions imposed by governments, communities, social groups, and familial bonds, we find solace in the fantastical realm of the trickster, whose boundless energy and cunning know no bounds. One such legendary trickster is Brer Rabbit, who made his way to North America through the captivating folktales of enslaved Africans. On the plantations, Brer Rabbit, akin to Anansi in the Caribbean, emerged as a resistance figure, using his mischievous tactics to undermine and challenge the oppressive plantation regime. However, as these tales transitioned from oral tradition to the printed page in the late 19th century, the trickster's potent symbolism was stripped away by white American collectors, authors, and folklorists, who sought to create a nostalgic fantasy of the plantation past.

In "American Trickster," readers are granted a unique perspective on the cultural significance of the Brer Rabbit trickster figure, tracing his roots from Africa to his profound influence on contemporary culture. Through a comprehensive exploration of various cultural forms, including folktales, advertising, fiction, and films, the book delves into the intricate tensions between perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes and the urgent need to preserve African-American folk traditions. Emily Zobel Marshall makes a compelling argument that Brer Rabbit was eventually reclaimed by 20th-century African-American novelists, whose protagonists employ clever tactics to transcend limiting stereotypes, break down social and cultural barriers, and provide readers with practical and psychological methods for confronting the painful legacies of trauma.

The trickster's enduring appeal lies in his ability to challenge the status quo, subvert expectations, and remind us that the boundaries between good and evil, right and wrong, are often blurred. He serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging us to question the established norms and embrace the transformative power of imagination and ingenuity. As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, the trickster remains a timeless symbol of resilience, creativity, and the human spirit's unwavering quest for freedom and liberation.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 237 x 177 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783481095