The trickster is a very popular fairy tale character and continues today, as noted by Hallett and Karasek in their introduction to this chapter, found on page 165 of your text. Tricksters interests us because they “thumb their noses” at authority figures and give vent to feelings of frustration that lower levels of society had no recourse to express. Readers enjoy how tricksters are able to overcome more powerful adversaries through mischief and cunning. Consider figures like Robin Hood or Captain Jack Sparrow, for example, who are often seen as heroic. It is amusing to see the character’s wit and audacity, but it is also somewhat unsettling because there is an element of amorality and narcissism to the character and his actions (the trickster was almost always depicted as a male character). Notice in tales such as with “Jack and the Beanstalk” that size and strength are overcome by superior cunning. Jack is a typical trickster character with his lack of moral purpose and risk-taking attitude. Remember that people at the time were often powerless and unable to protest injustices of the upper classes. The trickster stories were a way of expressing discontent without fear of punishment. As Hallett and Karasek note, this is a type of “socio-political therapy; the exuberant manner in which the underdog/protagonist sets about the task of exploiting the stupidity of his opponent must offer a over pointed satisfaction” (p.165).
TOPIC: Consider the social/political attack being made by the amoral and narcissistic nature of the trickster in at least two of the below tales as he overcomes his opponent throughout cunning and wit. You may consider the social relevance of today’s political circus in your essay if you like.
“The Brave Little Tailor” by J & W Grimm p.168
“The Emperor’s New Clothes” by H.C. Anderson p.173
“Puss in Boots” by C. Perrault p.183
“The Story of the Three Little Pigs” by Joseph Jacobs p.186
