Our cultures are influenced by countless different factors, which vary greatly from country to country. From a young age, people are shaped entirely by their culture and by the people who raise them. One aspect that particularly influences young people in societies is folklore. Folklore is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as, “the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth”.
This research paper will focus on various aspects of folklore of the Caribbean country of Jamaica, and the analysis of three different topics concerning Jamaican folklore, namely the Anansi stories, the Jamaican sayings, and a traditional witchcraft called Obeah. Furthermore, the character Anansi, who appears in the majority of these stories, will be examined and analyzed. The methods employed in researching this topic include a personal interview, well documented stories mentioned in books, and internet research to gather background information about these topics.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The character "Anansi"
- 3. Jamaica Anansi Stories
- 3.1. Origin
- 3.2. General Information
- 3.3. Anansi brings Stories to the World
- 3.3.1 The Plot
- 3.3.2 The moral of the story
- 3.4 Inside the cow
- 3.4.1 Plot
- 3.4.2 The moral of the story
- 3.5 Why Anansi has Eight long legs
- 3.5.1 The Plot
- 3.5.2 The moral of the story
- 4. Jamaican Sayings
- 4.1 General Information
- 4.2 Examples
- 4.2.1 Caution
- 4.2.2 Respect
- 4.2.3 Patience
- 4.2.4 Resilience
- 4.3 Social control
- 5. Obeah Witchcraft
- 5.1 General Information
- 5.2 Evidence of Obeah magic
- 5.2.1 Nanny of the Maroons
- 5.2.2 Interview: Mr. Norris Johnson
- 5.3 Obeah Scepticism
- 5.3.1 History
- 5.3.2 Documentation of the stories
- 5.3.3 Use in modern times
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper aims to explore various aspects of Jamaican folklore and analyze their influence on Jamaican culture. The focus is on three key areas: Anansi stories, Jamaican sayings, and Obeah witchcraft. The paper will examine the character of Anansi, his role in the stories, and the morals and social implications conveyed within the narratives. The research methodology includes personal interviews, documented stories, and internet research.
- The character of Anansi and his representation in Jamaican folklore.
- The themes and morals present in Jamaican Anansi stories.
- The role of Jamaican sayings in shaping social behavior and values.
- An exploration of Obeah witchcraft, its history, and its presence in modern Jamaica.
- The transmission and evolution of Jamaican folklore through generations.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the research paper by defining folklore and its significance in shaping cultural identities, particularly focusing on its impact on young people. It outlines the paper's objectives, which center on analyzing three core aspects of Jamaican folklore: Anansi stories, Jamaican sayings, and Obeah witchcraft. The chapter also briefly mentions the research methods employed, highlighting a personal interview as a key component of the study.
2. The character “Anansi”: This chapter introduces the central figure of Anansi, an African folktale character originating from the Ashanti tribe in Ghana. It details Anansi's transformation into a half-spider, half-man figure and explores his dual nature, portrayed sometimes as clever and wise, and at other times as cunning, deceitful, and greedy. The chapter discusses Anansi's popularity in Jamaican culture, suggesting it stems from the appeal of seeing an underdog triumph over stronger adversaries.
3. Jamaica Anansi Stories: This chapter delves into the origin and characteristics of Jamaican Anansi stories. It traces their journey from Ghana to Jamaica via the slave trade, emphasizing the role of oral tradition in preserving and transforming these narratives over centuries. The chapter highlights the use of animal characters, explaining their function in creating emotional distance while conveying powerful messages. It also discusses the moral lessons embedded in the stories and their contribution to social norms. Specific examples of Anansi stories, such as "Anansi brings Stories to the World," are introduced, outlining their plots and moral implications, highlighting Anansi’s complex personality. The chapter further explores other Anansi stories like "Inside the Cow" and "Why Anansi has Eight Long Legs", showing a consistent pattern of trickery and morality lessons.
4. Jamaican Sayings: This chapter explores the significance of Jamaican proverbs and sayings, examining their role in transmitting cultural values and regulating social behavior. It presents various examples of sayings categorized by the values they represent, such as caution, respect, patience, and resilience. The chapter analyzes how these sayings function as a form of social control, reinforcing community norms and expectations.
5. Obeah Witchcraft: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of Obeah, a traditional form of Jamaican witchcraft. It discusses the general information about Obeah, presents evidence supporting its existence through documented accounts and a personal interview with Mr. Norris Johnson. The chapter also addresses skepticism surrounding Obeah, exploring its historical context, the challenges in documenting the stories, and its presence (or absence) in modern Jamaica, balancing historical perspectives with modern interpretations and analyses. The inclusion of Nanny of the Maroons serves as a crucial example within the larger discussion of Obeah's influence and legacy.
Keywords
Jamaican folklore, Anansi stories, Jamaican sayings, Obeah witchcraft, oral tradition, cultural transmission, social norms, morality, West African folklore, Caribbean culture, mythology, belief systems, cultural identity.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Preview of Jamaican Folklore
What is the main focus of this research paper?
This research paper explores various aspects of Jamaican folklore and analyzes their influence on Jamaican culture. The focus is on three key areas: Anansi stories, Jamaican sayings, and Obeah witchcraft.
What are the key objectives of the research?
The paper aims to examine the character of Anansi, his role in the stories, and the morals and social implications conveyed within the narratives. It also investigates the role of Jamaican sayings in shaping social behavior and values, and explores Obeah witchcraft, its history, and its presence in modern Jamaica. The transmission and evolution of Jamaican folklore through generations is another key objective.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the character of Anansi and his representation in Jamaican folklore; the themes and morals present in Jamaican Anansi stories; the role of Jamaican sayings in shaping social behavior and values; an exploration of Obeah witchcraft, its history, and its presence in modern Jamaica; and the transmission and evolution of Jamaican folklore through generations.
What research methods were used?
The research methodology includes personal interviews, documented stories, and internet research.
What is the significance of the character "Anansi"?
Anansi is a central figure in West African and Jamaican folklore, often depicted as a half-spider, half-man. The paper explores Anansi's dual nature, sometimes portrayed as clever and wise, and at other times as cunning and deceitful. His popularity stems from the appeal of seeing an underdog triumph over stronger adversaries.
What is the origin and significance of Jamaican Anansi stories?
Jamaican Anansi stories originated in Ghana and travelled to Jamaica via the slave trade. The paper traces their journey and emphasizes the role of oral tradition in preserving and transforming these narratives. The stories often use animal characters to convey powerful messages and moral lessons contributing to social norms.
What specific Anansi stories are discussed?
The paper discusses several Anansi stories, including "Anansi brings Stories to the World," "Inside the Cow," and "Why Anansi has Eight Long Legs," analyzing their plots and moral implications.
What is the role of Jamaican sayings in the culture?
Jamaican proverbs and sayings play a crucial role in transmitting cultural values and regulating social behavior. The paper provides examples categorized by the values they represent (caution, respect, patience, resilience) and analyzes their function as a form of social control.
What is Obeah witchcraft, and what is its role in Jamaican culture?
Obeah is a traditional form of Jamaican witchcraft. The paper provides an overview, presents evidence supporting its existence (including a personal interview), and addresses skepticism surrounding it. The historical context, challenges in documenting stories, and its presence in modern Jamaica are explored.
What evidence is presented for the existence of Obeah?
Evidence includes documented accounts and a personal interview with Mr. Norris Johnson. The story of Nanny of the Maroons is also used as a significant example.
What is the chapter structure of the research paper?
The paper is structured into five chapters: 1. Introduction; 2. The character "Anansi"; 3. Jamaica Anansi Stories; 4. Jamaican Sayings; and 5. Obeah Witchcraft. Each chapter provides a detailed analysis of its respective topic.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include Jamaican folklore, Anansi stories, Jamaican sayings, Obeah witchcraft, oral tradition, cultural transmission, social norms, morality, West African folklore, Caribbean culture, mythology, belief systems, and cultural identity.
- Quote paper
- Emily Hansen (Author), 2017, Jamaican Folklore and the Influence on Jamaican Culture, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/450775
