Final answer:
In 'Brer Possum's Dilemma,' the characteristic of oral literature is the use of a trickster figure to convey deeper meanings in a narrative, often involving wit, cleverness, and sometimes supernatural elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of oral literature that is true of "Brer Possum's Dilemma" is highlighted by the role of a trickster figure, a common trope in African American storytelling. The trickster, often characterized by its cunning intellect or secret knowledge, uses these traits to subvert conventional norms and authority. In Joel Chandler Harris's Uncle Remus tales, characters such as Brer Rabbit, represented in oral literature as a trickster, play a significant part in conveying complex ideas through simple narratives.
Trickster characters like Brer Rabbit utilize wit and cleverness to navigate through tricky situations, often outsmarting their adversaries. This engages the reading audience with humor and lays the groundwork for discussing deeper themes such as slavery, resilience, and ethics. Moreover, the presence of the supernatural, as seen in stories with talking animals or ghosts, blends with postmodernist techniques, adding layers of complexity to these narratives.