Final answer:
The rat is described metaphorically and literally across different texts, symbolizing themes such as the persistence of racism and the filth of industrial neglect. The rat's character varies, eliciting diverse emotional responses from readers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character of the rat is described in different excerpts that offer various representations. In the first excerpt from LibreTexts, rats serve as a metaphor for the persistent and oppressive forces of racism. In the second excerpt, the physical presence of rats describes the unhygienic and careless conditions within the meat storage rooms, suggesting a commentary on the consequences of industrialization and negligence.
In the context of the role of a trickster, rats are not clearly described as tricksters in any provided excerpt. However, the concept of a trickster character often serves as a catalyst in literature by challenging the status quo and invoking change, much like the metaphorical use of rats to represent an unending struggle against societal issues.
Ultimately, the depiction of rats varies widely in literature, from symbols of oppression to markers of filth and disease. Their portrayal can evoke different emotions in readers, from disgust to sympathy, depending on the context provided by the author.