A Devil's Meal

         Like most stories that are to be told to a vast audience the funeral story "Tétiyette and The Devil" uses poetry with a dash of fantasy elements to express it's message. Likewise, the story uses poetry and repetition to not only make it memorable, but to make it understandable and easily interpreted for an audience likely of different backgrounds and origins. This is usually the case in most of the Caribbean, and especially in Guadeloupe from which this story is said to be from. The repetition comes into play not only with the anonymous authors rhythmic lines, such as "Oh, Mama! Oh, Mama! Bel-air drum! / The man to whom you married me, Bel-air drum!", but also with constantly repeating the main characters name throughout the story. This repeat of the name could be assumed to be a beat placement or crowd interaction point, but it is also likely that the constant use is to essentially etch parts of the tale into the audiences mind.

        This story is told with talking animals as the suitors. This not only grabs the attention of children but also expresses a metaphor to be analyzed by the more mature listeners. And, it seems to convey a warning for women of all ages, as it tells of how a "devil" managed to nearly take the life of a young girl. As she would tease possible husbands with her best silver cup, or perhaps showed her worth, but denied all of them. She would find petty reasons for why she did not find them

appealing. Finally a man showed up wearing beautiful clothes and gold, and she found this acceptable and quickly married this man. Unfortunately this great looking man became abusive. Her mom tried to warn her, but she was enamoured and would not leave him. Until one night it became to much and she cried out for help but no help came. As her dad replied "Agh! I don't give a damn! I had already warned her to beware." 

So perhaps one should take head of peoples advice or they may ignore you when you realize they were right. 
          Do not worry though as the story offers a ray of hope, as finally Tétiyette's brother comes to her rescue. As he pulls her from the bowels of her demon, this offers the listeners who may be in the same boat some hope and a message. Do not give up because all it takes is one person to pull you out of this darkness, once the person themselves has decided they need out. However, it also gives the audience something to think about, for while the other men in the story might have had minor flaws they may have treated her better. It also shows that the man who showed her what she wanted, wealth and riches, only put on a display to draw her in and trap her. Young women may stop and consider that what we see on the outside does not always match what is on the inside, what is gold may not always shine.