African-American Poetry

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the influence of folk tradition on African-American poetry and the impact on the major poets of the 21st century. It argues that 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 poetry.

From the Paper:

"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 expressive art. 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-whites. (Smethurst, 1999)"

More papers on African-American Poetry:

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