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Cover of Uncle Remus, His Songs and His Sayings

Uncle Remus, His Songs and His Sayings

Written by Joel Chandler Harris

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AnimalsAfrican AmericansPlantation lifeGeorgiaAfrican American menRemus, Uncle (Fictitious character)

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About this book

"Uncle Remus, His Songs and His Sayings" by Joel Chandler Harris is a collection of folk tales written during the late 19th century, showcasing African American folklore rooted in Southern plantation culture. The book features the beloved character Uncle Remus, an elder African American man who narrates whimsical animal tales to a curious white boy, highlighting lessons about cunning, wit, and the resilience of the underdog, as exemplified by the clever rabbit, Brer Rabbit. The opening of the book introduces Uncle Remus as a storyteller who interacts warmly with a little white boy, illustrating the intimate and cultural exchange between the two characters. The old man recounts stories featuring Brer Rabbit in clever exchanges with other animals like Brer Fox and Miss Cow, emphasizing playful dialogue and dialect while introducing themes of trickery and cleverness. Remus's tales reflect not only entertainment for the boy but also serve as a cultural repository of wisdom and history, setting the tone for the rich folklore that follows throughout the collection.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Uncle Remus, His Songs and His Sayings, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • folkloric
  • nostalgic

Joel Chandler Harris's "Uncle Remus, his songs and his sayings" is a seminal collection of African-American folktales, primarily featuring the trickster Br'er Rabbit and his adversaries Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear. Framed by an elderly ex-slave, Uncle Remus, telling stories to a young white boy on a Georgia plantation, the book captures the rich oral tradition and distinctive dialect of the post-Reconstruction South. Through these anthropomorphic animal fables, Harris aimed to preserve a significant body of American folklore, while simultaneously presenting a complex and often controversial portrayal of racial dynamics and cultural exchange. The work remains a foundational text in American literature, sparking ongoing debates about its legacy and representation.

““Bimeby, one day, arter Brer Fox bin tryin’ his level bes’ ter ketch Brer Rabbit, en Brer Rabbit bin dodgin’ 'roun' en 'roun' en 'roun' him, Brer Fox, he got mighty mad, en he say ter hisse'f, 'I'm gwine ter fix dat Brer Rabbit dis time, sho'!'””

Key themes

Survival Through Cunning and Wit
This is the central theme of the animal fables. Br'er Rabbit, a physically weaker creature, consistently outsmarts his larger, more powerful predators. This theme reflects the experiences of marginalized groups who must rely on intelligence and trickery to navigate oppressive systems and survive.
The Power and Preservation of Oral Tradition and Folklore
The entire book serves as a monument to the rich oral storytelling traditions of African Americans. The framing narrative emphasizes the intergenerational transfer of these stories, highlighting their cultural significance and their role in educating, entertaining, and providing moral guidance.
Racial and Social Dynamics in the Post-Reconstruction South
The book is deeply embedded in the racial and social landscape of the late 19th-century American South. While controversial, it offers a glimpse into the complex relationships between former slaves and white plantation owners' families, albeit through a romanticized lens. The animal fables themselves can be interpreted as allegories for racial power dynamics.

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How does Harris's use of phonetic dialect impact the reading experience, and what are the ethical implications of this choice?

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