Motifs, Themes, and Symbols in African-American Spirituals

Hi,

What are some common themes, motifs and Symbols that show up in African American spirituals and folk songs as well as writing.

Particularly these works:


What to the Slave is the Fourth of July dsapresents(dot)org/staff/eric-mills/files/2014/08/What_to_slave_is_Fouth_July.pdf

The Sorrow Songs dsapresents(dot)org/staff/eric-mills/files/2014/08/Sorrow_Songs.pdf

(sorry for the weird links, it won't let me post links, replace (dot) with .)

Perhaps you ought to do your own homework.