Story Summary
Discover how the clever trickster escapes a deep hole in Br'er Rabbit and the Well. A classic African-American folktale about using your wits to outsmart foes.
Br’er Rabbit was feeling lazy and hot one afternoon when he came across a well with two buckets hanging from a pulley. Curious and wanting to cool off, he hopped into the bucket at the top. His weight immediately sent the bucket plummeting to the bottom, where he sat shivering in the dark water, wondering how on earth he would get out. Soon, Br’er Fox came trotting by and peered over the edge. 'What you doing down there, Br’er Rabbit?' he asked suspiciously. Br’er Rabbit, thinking fast, shouted back with a grin, 'I’m fishing, Br’er Fox! There’s more big fish down here than you can imagine!' Br’er Fox, always hungry and a bit greedy, asked if he could join. Br’er Rabbit told him to hop into the bucket at the top. As Br’er Fox’s heavier weight pulled him down into the well, Br’er Rabbit’s bucket began to rise. As they passed each other in the middle, Br’er Rabbit tipped his hat and sang out, 'This is the way the world goes 'round; one goes up and the other goes down!' Rabbit hopped out safely at the top and left Fox cooling his heels in the deep.
The Moral
Wit and quick thinking are more powerful than physical strength when facing a predicament.
“This is the way the world goes 'round; one goes up and the other goes down!”
Fun Fact
This specific tale is a 'swap' story, a common motif in global folklore where two characters exchange places in a trap, but it is most famously associated with the Uncle Remus collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Br'er Rabbit and the Well?
The moral is that quick thinking and wit can help you escape even the most difficult situations. It also serves as a warning against greed, as Br'er Fox's desire for fish led him straight into a trap.
How did Br'er Rabbit get stuck in the well?
He was looking for a cool place to rest and hopped into a bucket at the top of the well. His weight caused the bucket to drop to the bottom, leaving him trapped in the water.
What did Br'er Rabbit tell Br'er Fox to trick him?
He lied and said he was fishing at the bottom of the well. He convinced Br'er Fox that there were plenty of fish to be caught if he just hopped into the other bucket.
What is the significance of the two buckets in the story?
The two buckets on a pulley system represent the 'see-saw' of life and fortune. They serve as the mechanical device that allows the trickster to swap places with his adversary.
What are the origins of Br'er Rabbit stories?
Br'er Rabbit has his roots in the folklore of West Africa, specifically the trickster Hare. These stories were brought to the United States by enslaved people and became a staple of African-American oral tradition.
Is Br'er Rabbit a hero or a villain?
He is traditionally viewed as a trickster hero. While his methods are deceptive, he represents the underdog using intelligence to survive and overcome larger, more dangerous predators.
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