Tricksters are the fine line between the innocent and the loathed. Tricksters are well loved and disliked throughout history, as they bring humor and annoyance to all those around them. Tricksters bring action and drama within every situation they interact in, driving the plot in a way that no other type of character could.
In Mourning Dove's Coyote and the Buffalo, Coyote is the obvious trickster of the story. Without Coyote's trickery and immature deceit, the story would lose an element of interest and plot. Coyote’s reckless nature puts him in threatening situations in which he must use his quick wit to save himself. He fits the description of an “act-first-think-after” kind of character. Coyote, as the the trickster, adds flavor to the story that the reader can relate to. The reader finds humor in his cockiness and rash behaviour while also finding admiration for his quick wit. His contrast to characters such as the Buffalo, sets him apart as a unique character, drawing attention and interest.
Tricksters have been infamous since the beginnings of times. From old fables to contemporary media, trickers have been a prominent part of society; tricksters range from characters like Rumplestiltskin to Bart Simpson. A stable consistently is the punishment and “learning your lesson” for tricksters, as Coyote is shown to have when he loses his baby buffalo and food. Apart from entertainment, tricksters are also perfect as examples for life lessons and cultural morals. From the chastising of their behaviour, the reader can assume and learn from their actions. Stories just could not be the same without tricksters.
This is very true. I always assumed that Trickster's were not needed in society, but without them, life would lose excitement. Granted the violent actions and death of many could be avoided, the idea that we can learn from them by avoiding there mistakes is something I forgot to consider. Your final sentence "Stories just could not be the same without tricksters" strikes a valid point, and I believe applies in daily life as well. The class clown makes school fun, and everyday shenanigans are what we remember for the rest of our lives; they have the greatest impacts on our future.
ReplyDeleteI like how you added in modern examples of tricksters: Rumplestiltskin and Bart Simpson. I think when our generation tries to apply literary terms in our lives, we often have a hard time. Thanks for the reminder that they are found everywhere. I like the parallel structure at the beginning. I also agree with your point that tricksters add "flavor" to life!
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