“Uncle Remus: His Songs and Sayings” is another collection of African-American folktales compiled and written by Joel Chandler Harris. Published in 1880, it is a continuation of the stories introduced in Harris’s earlier book, “Uncle Remus.”
Similar to the first book, “Uncle Remus: His Songs and Sayings” is framed as a series of tales told by the character Uncle Remus to a young boy named John. However, this particular collection focuses more on the songs and linguistic expressions of the African-American community in the rural American South.
The book presents a rich tapestry of songs, proverbs, and dialectal sayings that were prevalent during that era. Uncle Remus shares traditional African-American songs, often incorporating animal characters from the folklore, which reflect the rhythms and melodies of African musical traditions.
“Uncle Remus: His Songs and Sayings” further emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating African-American cultural heritage. By documenting and sharing these songs and linguistic expressions, Harris sought to honor and highlight the contributions of African-Americans to American literature and folklore.
While the book has been recognized for its cultural significance and contributions to African-American studies, it is important to acknowledge that it has also been criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes and for the portrayal of Uncle Remus as a subservient character.
Overall, “Uncle Remus: His Songs and Sayings” offers readers a deeper immersion into the linguistic and musical traditions of the African-American community, providing valuable insights into their history, customs, and artistic expressions.
