토플독해(Delta's Toefl Reading Sections)

Questions 4-6

 

In the storytelling traditions of West Africa, the tiny rabbit appears frequently asa rascal who teases or plays jokes on bigger animals. In one story, Mr. Rabbit tricks Mr. Elephant and Mrs. Whale into a tug of war with each other. Such tales about Mr. Rabbit continue to be part of the oral traditions of the Wollof people of Senegal.

 

The African-American folktales of the U.S. South also feature a trickster rabbit in the character of Brer Rabbit. In his American incarnation, Brer Rabbit uses his wits to overcome circumstances and even to enact playful revenge on his larger, stronger adversaries, Brer Fox, Brer Wolf, and Brer Bear. Although he is not always successful, Brer Rabbit's efforts make him both a folk hero and a friendly comic figure. Joel Chandler Harris, a journalist in Georgia, had heard old men tell Brer Rabbit tales by the fireside when he was a young boy. Harris wrote down and published many of the stories, popularizing them for the general public.

 

A folklorist named Alcée Fortier recorded very similar versions of the same stories in southern Louisiana, where the rabbit character was known as Compair Lapin in Creole French. Today, the rabbit enjoys another incarnation as the cartoon character Bugs Bunny--a rascally rabbit who causes trouble, tricks the hunter, and always gets the final word. (224 words)

 

______ min. ______ sec.

 

4. What trait belongs to the rabbit character in tales of West African origin?

 

Ⓐ Storytelling ability

Ⓑ Very keen eyesight

Ⓒ Ability to fool others

Ⓓ Strong, athletic body

 

5. How did a wide audience of people know about the Brer Rabbit stories?

 

Ⓐ They studied the oral traditions of West Africa.

Ⓑ They heard old men tell the stories by the fireside.

Ⓒ They read the stories published by a journalist. Ⓓ They listened to recordings from southern Louisiana.

 

6. What do Brer Rabbit, Compair Lapin, and Bugs Bunny have in common?

Ⓐ All are cartoon characters.

Ⓑ All play tricks on others.

Ⓒ All save others from trouble.

Ⓓ All speak Creole French.