Forced to fly a plane solo, endure the threat of a tornado, or solve the mysterious theft of a valuable ruby, the characters in these stories triumph in the end. Themes include: “Nature’s Fury”, “Problems and Solutions”, and “Flying Solo”.
“Spider and His Son”—
The Black Cloth
Disgusted with the fact that his lazy, selfish son does not live up to his father’s reputation, Ananze renounces him during a great famine and hurls him far from home. After encountering a magical boa who gives him tremendous riches, the son is reformed. Eventually Ananze and his son are reunited and live in splendor until Ananze’s curiosity eventually breaks the enchantment.
After examining the dynamics of this tale, pupils might investigate the present day conditions of famine in Africa and attempts of the United States to alleviate the problem.
“The Flea”—
Spanish American Folktales
A poor sheepherder, aided by an ant, a beetle, and a mouse, solves the secret of the boa-skin tambourine. The trickery of his animal helpers insures him a wealthy future. The sheepherder possesses many positive traits worthy of group discussion. Since the tale itself originates among the Pueblos of New Mexico, it fits nicely into the pupil’s study of Native American and Spanish influence in that area of the United States.
“How the Slaves Helped Each Other”—Retold by Williara J. Faulkner—
Talk That Talk.
Though Sister Dicey’s life as a slave was filled with trials and tribulations, her death is viewed as a liberation. With limited resources, her friends and family conduct a glorious funeral. The tale includes the words to a familiar spiritual, “Going to Walk All Over God’s Heaven.”
This tale provides many opportunities to discuss life during slavery along with the qualities that allowed survival. The song’s lyrics might be discussed, learned and even compared with spirituals containing similar messages.
