Snapping Turtle an Ojibwa tale
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Summary of Major Themes:
The Ojibwa tale, "Snapping-Turtle on the Warpath", entertains and teaches in the form of a trickster story. The trickster manifests himself in the as a snapping turtle. Through the escapades of Snapping-Turtle, the audience laughs at the ridiculous parts; yet at the same time they learn through his adventures. This story teaches the importance of listening to the wisdom of authority and the foolishness of blind trust. The trickster also demonstrates the concept that more is not necessarily better with the choice of his warriors. Turning to the Spirits with respect and following proper religious rituals is stressed as the only way to the assistance necessary to make it through life. Even the Snapping-Turtle knows that.
Key Concepts:
The trickster figure was used in North American Indian Literature as a means of poking fun at traditional knowledge. He often changed form; in this case he appears as a snapping-turtle. Native Americans taught principles of morality and knowledge indirectly through oral tradition...