History of the United States I / Unit 12 USH1 1677 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Storytelling and Brer Rabbit
Captions available
The idea
Enslaved parents taught their children survival skills and discretion around White people through storytelling.
In practice
Trickster tales featuring figures such as Brer Rabbit, who outwitted their stronger antagonists.
Where people slip
A story about a weak animal defeating a strong one by cunning is instruction rather than entertainment, and the children knew it.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
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