Br’er Fox had grown tired of being tricked repeatedly by Br’er Rabbit, so he decided to set a clever trap. He created a figure out of tar, dressed it in clothes and a hat, and placed it by the roadside, hoping to catch the mischievous rabbit off guard. When Br’er Rabbit hopped by, he cheerfully greeted the figure, saying, "Good morning! What a fine day it is today!" Of course, the tar figure did not answer. Feeling insulted by its silence, Br’er Rabbit threatened, “If you do not speak, I’ll teach you a lesson!”
Still receiving no response, Br’er Rabbit lashed out. He punched the tar figure, only to have his fist stick, and then struck with his other hand, kicked with his feet, and even rammed it with his head. With each attempt, he became more entangled, until he was completely stuck, unable to move. Br’er Fox, watching from nearby, revealed himself with a triumphant laugh, preparing to feast on the rabbit. He paused, wondering whether to roast, boil, or hang his prey, delighted at his apparent victory.
Br’er Rabbit, however, was quick-witted. He realized Br’er Fox had a tendency to do the opposite of what was expected, so he feigned extreme fear and pleaded, "Oh Fox, do whatever you wish with me. Roast me, boil me, or skin me if you like… but please, I beg you, do not throw me into the briar patch!" The fox, thinking the rabbit feared the thorny brush the most, decided to maximize his suffering. He seized Br’er Rabbit and hurled him straight into the sharp, tangled briars.
The moment Br’er Rabbit hit the ground, the thorns scraped the tar from his fur, freeing him immediately. He bounded up into a tall tree, laughing and shouting at Br’er Fox, “I was born and raised in the briar patch, you foolish fox!” His cleverness had turned the trap against its setter, leaving Br’er Fox frustrated and empty-handed.
The story carries a deeper meaning. The briar patch symbolizes a safe haven for the vulnerable, a place where those with less power can find refuge from stronger enemies. Br’er Rabbit’s cunning shows that when cornered or trapped, quick thinking, patience, and psychological insight can help the weak overcome the strong, turning apparent danger into an opportunity for escape.