The influence of Folk tradition on Afro-American poetry and the impact
on the major poets of the 21st century
A large of portion of American culture exists today because of the
color that the African Americans have given it. Without these people,
American culture would have been quite different. From the time that the
Africans were brought as slaves to America the traditions became known, and
though their forms of art evolved with the passage of time, their folk
tradition continued to have an immense influence on their forms of
The African Americans have been known for their music, artwork and
poetry. These have all largely depicted the tribulations that they have
been put through as people, illustrating the ways that they were oppressed
by the whites. Although some of their expressions are blatant, they have
largely succeeded in attracting an audience that consists of whites and non-
African American poetry appears to demonstrate a relation with its
folk tradition, and on the basis of this it is worth investigating the
relationship between African American poetry and folk tradition. It is
1. What kinds of themes are basically presented in African American
2. What purpose might they have served'
3. Are the themes in older poetry similar to contemporary ones'
Several African Americans have demonstrated a traditional approach to
their work, and since these appear to relate strongly to their messages, it
is may be said that folk tradition has had an impact on African American
Originally when the Africans were brought as slaves to America, the
first form of expression that they brought along with them was spiritual
music. This music initially had nothing to do with the Christianity as it
is demonstrated later. This music exemplified the folk lore that was
practiced in A...