River (Symbol)
In much of the work of Langston Hughes, the river is a symbol of the transmission of African American heritage over time. The river in this poem is described as “mighty” (line 11), which is a testament to the power and endurance that African American heritage has. The symbol of the river is especially relevant in Hughes’s poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” which was included in his first poetry collection The Weary Blues alongside “Aunt Sue’s Stories.” In this poem, the river is a symbol of the speaker’s immortal soul, which has endured by embodying ancient rivers. The endurance of African American heritage symbolized by a river to convey its strength and immortality. The only river in the United States mentioned in “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” is the Mississippi, which served as a major means of transporting enslaved African Americans and separating them from their families. This is the river that is likely referenced in “Aunt Sue’s Stories.”
Summer (Motif)
Aunt Sue’s storytelling takes place in the summertime because in the antebellum period, summer was the most social season of the year because it was warm enough to travel and stay out at night. Summer is mentioned multiple times in the poem to give a sense of the ideal time for community gatherings, fellowship, and activity.
Night (Motif)
Not only does this poem take place in summer, but it also takes place at night. During summer nights the outdoors are where people take refuge from the heat that has become trapped inside during the day. For the enslaved, night is the only time to escape the eyes of their masters and engage in storytelling, song, and religious activity. In literary and storytelling traditions, the night often has negative associations. However, in this poem, night has an implication of coverage and safety. The enslaved can let their guard down at night.
