Folk Stories from the Hills of Puerto Rico / Cuentos Folklóricos de Las Montañas de Puerto Rico

by Ocasio, Rafael
ISBN: 9781978822986
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Overview

Beginning in 1913, curious U.S. scientists eagerly performed field research in the new American colony of Puerto Rico, studying its geology, archaeology, botany, and zoology. Under the direction of anthropologist and folklorist Franz Boas, the project also included the documentation of hundreds of oral folk stories told through generations, highlighting popular Puerto Rican characters immersed in the island's social and cultural practices of the peasant, or J baro. Characters from international fairy tales, such as Snow White and Cinderella, were modified to fit Puerto Rican surroundings in exciting, unique adaptations. Other tales included cursed characters turned into animals, or stories that reflected a strong connection to J baro agrarian traditions.

Characters like Juan Bobo stand out even today as personifications of the universal traits of human resilience ascribed to the Puerto Rican J baro. Folk legends of historical characters, such as the infamous Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofres , reflect the island's colonial status, including the economic restrictions that led to his rise as a notorious thief. Finally, no anthology of Puerto Rican oral folklore would be complete without a few versions of Cucarachita Martina, the kind cockroach who falls in love with Ratoncito P rez, her beloved mouse husband. Whether you are encountering these stories for the first time, or have heard them your whole life, this delightful bilingual collection will be sure to tickle your heart and your funny bone, and leave you fascinated once again with the island of Puerto Rico.

  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Author: Ocasio, Rafael
  • ISBN: 9781978822986
  • Condition: Used
  • Dimensions: 8.90 x 0.70
  • Number Of Pages: 262
  • Publication Year: 2021
Language: Spanish