April 9: "Beluthahatchie" by Andy Duncan

[Smiley]

Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on April 9th, 2016 (23:30 P.M. (GMT), April 9th ), for a discussion of Beluthahatchie by Andy Duncan.  The story was first published in 1997.

 

The story, although published originally in a Science Fiction Magazine, fits into the general category of "Trickster Stories" and most particularly into the category of African-American "John and the Master" Stories.  The Trickster, often an irreverent or dishonest protagonist, is used in a metaphorical context to protest or highlight a social or economic inequity.  In the case of the "John and Master" stories, most dealt with an enterprising black slave fooling the white overseer.  The stories evolved after the civil war, but the idea of a serious social comment being made while disguised as a humorous anecdote continues to this day.  

 

In this particular story, we see our enterprising "John" matching wits with the most powerful overseer imaginable--Lucifer, Satan, the Devil, the ultimate schemer.  I think you will enjoy the story.  

 

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in a bit of background on the genre, you can check an excellent essay, The Trickster in African American Literature, (*cite below)*  

The story is available on line at:  http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/duncan_05_14_reprint/

 

Meeting Place: 

 

Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner 

 

mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner

 

We are sure to have an entertaining discussion.  Hope to see you all for the chat.

 

* Harris, Trudier. “The Trickster in African American Literature.” Freedom’s Story, TeacherServe©. 

National Humanities Center. April 2, 2016.

<http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/freedom/1865-1917/essays/trickster.htm>

 

LOG ATTACHED:  Readers Log Apr 10 2016.txt