A. The trickster is in all of us. The similarities may not show now but as we go through the building blocks of a trickster the resemblance will start forming. B. Tricksters have been a part of our human existence from a very long time. Tricksters like many other archetypes are characters that display some typical human representation. C. The trickster’s characteristics, roles, cultural purpose and evolution define the trickster archetype. II. The coinciding characteristics are that they are witty, amoral and conniving, full of contradictions, and usually they are third parties only contributing to the plot when they see fit. A. Outsmart 1. “Tricksters succeed by outsmarting or outthinking their opponents.” It is an important weapon and …show more content…
“Contest dominates their interactions in a world where the weak and witty always triumph over the powerful and the presumed intellectually superior.” 2. “Pictured in contests or quest situations.” IV. Lastly, the cultural purpose and evolution of the trickster archetype transitions from a mythological creature to human, they contain grave undertones under the guise of humor and help give a voice to the oppressed and weak. A. Transition from myth to human in cultures shows change and evolution. 1. ”Appears as a mythological figure and a rival of the sky god.” 2. “Human tricksters in African culture.” B. Told for humor but serious undertone to convey important cultural messages. 1. Trickster stories have a comedic manifest plot and grave latent meaning. “Frequently a source of humor, they also contain serious commentary on the inequalities of existence.” 2. “The trickster tale is told for amusement but also serious or sacred occasions.” C. Tricksters being a reflection of our thoughts. 1. “”perhaps the actions of the characters did indeed reflect the actions of those enslaved.” 2. “Intelligence and wits only rival more intelligence and wits.” V. Conclusion A. Tricksters are within us all and inspire us to use our intellectual prowess rather than our physical