Morgan, Winifred, 1938-

The trickster figure in American literature / Winifred Morgan. - first edition. - New York : Palgrave Macmillan, 2013. - 256 pages ; 23 cm



African Americans and an enduring tradition -- Coyotes and others striving for balance -- Trickster seeking his fortune -- Heirs of the monkey king -- Rough mischief, irreverence, and the fantastic.

The Trickster Figure in American Literature provides a new framework to look at the richness that is American literature and culture. Trickster stories allow readers to experience vicariously another culture's deepest discontent. They supply a laugh, but more importantly, their stories reflect contemporary dilemmas that are being played out in fiction. Using the trickster figure as an entry-point into African American, American Indian, Euro-American, Asian American, and Latino/stories, Winifred Morgan examines the oral roots of each racial/ethnic group to reveal how each group's history, frustrations, and aspirations have molded the tradition. Ultimately, this compelling study shows that tricksters remind listeners and readers that the ideals espoused by the law and traditions have not been achieved in a country like the United States of America.

9781137344717 1137344717 9781349466153 1349466158

40022949506

2013018071

GBB371730 bnb

016472715 Uk


American literature--History and criticism.
National characteristics, American, in literature.
Tricksters in literature.
Self-knowledge in literature.

PS169.M849.T753 2013