The Influence of African American Oratory on Later Literature

There are many aspects of the early African American oral traditions that can help us understand the literature that is later published concerning the struggle the slaves faced. The proverbs, folk cries, work songs, spirituals, and folk tales give us a better understanding of the literature that is later developed. The oratory from this period helps us understand the religion, culture, and style of African Americans and the literature they have developed as slaves and freemen.
The oral work shows us the religious beliefs of the slaves. It shows both the native African beliefs in addition t…