Critique the Twists

Question

Write a short critique or review of the folktale.

1. Review the story to trace the individual actions of Goha and his wife. Think about their motivations-the reasons they act as they do.

2. Think about each twist in the story. How do they affect the characters and the plot?

3. Write about your reactions. Call out any features (for example, twists, dialogue, or humor) that help make this a good story.

Research

Trickster Tales

Do brief research to gather information about two or more trickster tales. Devise a chart to compare each tale's characteristics.

Detail the central characters (usually the tricksters) and the tricks.

Note these characters traits and what they add to tale.

Learn the origin of each tale. See what you can discover about the cultural values the tales reveal.

What is each tale's purpose to entertain, to teach, or both? Include your opinion.. make it 7 sentences and make it look like a 11-12 year old did it

Answer 1

Critique of the Twists in the Folktale of Goha

1. Character Actions and Motivations: In the folktale, Goha and his wife both display distinct actions that reveal their motivations. Goha often acts impulsively and with a sense of humor, driven by a desire to outsmart others or find clever solutions to problems. His wife, on the other hand, seems to represent reason and practicality, often trying to rein in Goha's wild ideas. Their interactions show how they complement each other; while Goha seeks amusement and trickery, his wife pushes for more sensible approaches.

2. Impact of the Twists: Each twist in the story—like Goha's unforeseen consequences of his tricks or his wife's responses—sharpens the plot and adds depth to their characters. For instance, when Goha thinks he can easily fool others, the reality often backfires on him, teaching him a lesson. These twists not only heighten the comedic effect but also reflect on the theme of unpredictability that trickster tales often embrace. The various twists keep the audience engaged and allow the characters to evolve throughout the narrative.

3. Personal Reactions: I enjoyed how the story balanced humor with clever twists. The dialogue between Goha and his wife was witty and made their personalities come alive, which made me giggle at their interactions. Goha's shenanigans lead to funny and unexpected outcomes, showing that trickery can sometimes have consequences. The blending of humor and life lessons makes this folktale enjoyable and thought-provoking, capturing the charm that's common in trickster tales. Overall, the twists and comedic elements created a delightful reading experience!

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Research on Trickster Tales

| Tale | Central Characters | Tricks | Character Traits | Cultural Values | Purpose | |----------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Anansi the Spider | Anansi (the Spider) | Tricks animals out of food or freedom | Clever, cunning, playful | Resourcefulness, wit, and storytelling values | To entertain and teach cleverness and wit | | Br'er Rabbit | Br'er Rabbit | Outsmarts Br'er Fox and other animals | Quick-thinking, sly, brave | Importance of strategy over strength | To entertain and deliver moral lessons |

The tales of Anansi and Br'er Rabbit both feature trickster protagonists who use their cunning to navigate challenges. Anansi is known for his clever antics that often involve outsmarting larger animals, showcasing resourcefulness. Similarly, Br'er Rabbit uses his intelligence to escape traps laid by his enemies, demonstrating that wit can triumph over brute force. Each tale reflects cultural values of cleverness and adaptability, emphasizing that intelligence can be as powerful as strength. Both stories serve to entertain audiences while offering lessons about thinking critically and valuing cleverness in overcoming obstacles. Overall, I find both tales fun and insightful, with valuable lessons about creativity and problem-solving!