Text Analyzes-The Tiger, the Brahman, and the Jackal
The folk tale that I read was about a man, a jackal, and a tiger, it takes place in India. This story was called The Tiger, the Brahman, and the Jackal, and was retold by a man named Joseph Jacobs, so the exact date of which it was made is unknown. The genre of the folk tale is trickery. The Jackal tricks the tiger into the cage, and shuts the door in order to save the man’s life. Based on the text, this could have taken place in a rural area. “Then the Brahman, sad at heart, went further afield till he saw a buffalo turning a well-wheel; but he fared no better from it…” You do not normally find a buffalo turning a well-wheel in a city, or even the suburbs of a city. People at this time in history, or part of the world really are not grateful for what the environment gives them. “…the pipal tree replied coldly, “What have you to complain about? Don’t I give shade and shelter to every one who passes by, and don’t they in return tear down my branches to feed their cattle? Don’t whimper–be a man!” People do not treat plants like they should, so the pipal tree would not help the man when he was in need. Here is another example. “…he saw a buffalo turning a well-wheel; but he fared no better from it, for it answered, “You are a fool to expect gratitude! Look at me! Whilst I gave milk they fed me on cotton-seed and oil-cake, but now I am dry they yoke me here, and give me refuse as fodder!” Not only do people treat plants badly, but they also treat animals like they were nothing. Due to the clues within the text, they must be in a tropical, jungle like environment. “Once upon a time, a tiger was caught in a trap. He tried in vain to get out through the bars, and rolled and bit with rage and grief when he failed.” Tigers in India do not live in the snow, or in cities, they only live in jungle like areas. The form of language that they use in the story is a bit old. “Give me five minutes, my lord!” he pleaded, “in order that I may explain matters to the jackal here, who is somewhat slow in his wits.” People today never speak like this unless they are in a play or something about theater. The jackal speaks like he wasn’t educated at all, sort of like someone in the southern United States. “Why, what’s the matter, Mr. Brahman? You look as miserable as a fish out of water!” Some of the animals in the jungle, such as the jackal do not know the correct way to speak. One part of the text that stuck out to me was that the man was walking. “By chance a poor Brahman came by. “Let me out of this cage, oh pious one!” cried the tiger.” Wealthy people usually do not walk, so either he lives in a time where the wealthy walk with the poor, or he is a poor rich man that cannot buy a carriage. Instead of reading pages and pages of internet sites to find information about a country, you could just read a few folk tales about a country. Folk tales can really tell you more about a countries culture, climate, or daily life within that country.
-Kristofer Merideth
May 20th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Kris, some good points made and you use the quotes well. Some parts are a little wordy and it would have been interesting to have written more on the values demonstrated by the story.