Just So Stories · Theme
Cunning and Resourcefulness
How Just So Stories develops Cunning and Resourcefulness.
The Mariner uses his intelligence and a jackknife to outwit the Whale, creating a grating in its throat to prevent being eaten, highlighting how cleverness can overcome physical threats.
Where it surfaces
- How the Whale Got His Throat
The small 'Stute Fish uses cleverness to avoid being eaten, and the Mariner uses his jackknife and suspenders to create a grating that changes the whale's diet forever.
- How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin
The Parsee cleverly uses cake-crumbs to punish the Rhinoceros for his rudeness and theft.
- How the Leopard Got His Spots
The animals use their new patterns to hide, and the Ethiopian cleverly uses his fingers to create the Leopard's spots.
- The Elephant's Child
The Elephant's Child uses politeness and persistence, while the Bi-Coloured-Python-Rock-Snake employs clever knots to aid in the escape.
- The Beginning of the Armadillos
The Hedgehog and Tortoise use clever wordplay and adaptation to outsmart the Jaguar, leading to their transformation into Armadillos.
- How the First Letter Was Written
Taffy uses her drawing skills to convey a message, showing resourcefulness in solving a problem.
- The Cat That Walked by Himself
The Cat uses cleverness and patience to achieve his desires, making a bargain and waiting for the right moment to win the Woman's praise.