And a Child Shall Lead Them: The Wise Child Folk Motif in Mormon Discourse
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Abstract
Prevalent in folktales throughout the world and in popular media in America, the “Wise Child” whose innocence sees through the deceptions, greed, envy, and ingratitude of his or her elders flourishes in Mormon official and lay discourse. Paradoxical in its inherent reversal of hierarchies in a religion often noted for its hierarchies, the wise child, rather than challenging adults and exposing adult foibles to mockery, is used to gently remind all members of their shortcomings and encourage greater adherence to church doctrines. Since the wise child in folk and popular culture is most often a trickster figure who points out foibles and follies in adults, how has it come to be used so often in Mormon discourse by those very adults and authority figures who are usually the butt of its jokes? This paper seeks to look at the significance of the wise child in Mormon official discourse, the transformation it has undergone there, and what that has to say about Mormon culture.
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