The Trickster Figure in American Literature [Hardcover]

This book analyzes and offers fresh insights into the trickster tradition including African American, American Indian, Euro-American, Asian American, and Latino/a stories, Morgan examines the oral roots of each racial/ethnic group to reveal how each group's history, frustrations, and aspirations have molded the tradition in contemporary literature.1. Introduction 2. African Americans and an Enduring Tradition 3. Coyotes and Others Striving for Balance 4. Trickster Seeking his Fortune 5. Heirs of the Monkey King 6. Rough Mischief, Irreverence, and the Fantastic Conclusion Appendix: The Monkey King

'Winifred Morgan's treatment of America's ethnic trickster traditions is insightful, engaging, and unique in its comprehensiveness, covering as she does five ethnicities - African American, Native American, Euro American, Asian American, and Latino/a American. No previous scholar has attempted such a mammoth undertaking.' Edward J. Piacentino, Emeritus Professor of English, High Point University, NC and author of Southern Frontier Humor: New Approaches