"Graduation" is a memorable and poignant essay written by Maya Angelou, a highly respected and celebrated writer, poet, and civil rights activist. The essay was originally delivered as a speech at the graduation ceremony for the class of 1983 at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
In "Graduation," Angelou reflects on the significance and meaning of graduation, not just for the students who are receiving their diplomas, but for society as a whole. She begins by reminiscing about her own graduation from high school, which took place in the 1940s in a small town in Arkansas. At that time, segregation was still prevalent in the United States, and Angelou recalls the shame and sadness she felt as a young African American woman who was not allowed to participate in the same ceremonies as her white counterparts.
Despite the injustices and difficulties she faced, Angelou went on to achieve great success in her life and career. She has written numerous books and essays, and has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to literature and civil rights. In "Graduation," she encourages the graduates to use their education and experiences to make a positive impact on the world, and to strive for excellence in all that they do.
Throughout the essay, Angelou emphasizes the importance of education and knowledge, and the role that it plays in personal and societal growth. She encourages the graduates to embrace their diversity and to use their unique perspectives and experiences to enrich the world around them. She also stresses the importance of hard work and perseverance, and encourages the graduates to pursue their dreams and to never give up, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
In conclusion, "Graduation" is a powerful and inspiring essay that encourages readers to embrace their education and to use it as a tool to make a positive impact on the world. Angelou's words of wisdom and encouragement are timeless, and her message of hope and determination is relevant to people of all ages and walks of life.
Summary Response of Maya Angelouâs âThe Graduationâ Essay
By examining the autobiography and explanations, the reader will understand how minorities, specifically African Americans, were treated and discriminated against in the 1940s and 50s. Only a true leader can express their life experience to everybody. Here you will also find the best quotations, synonyms and word definitions to make your research paper well-formatted and your essay highly evaluated. The speech was more than words, and it inspired Angelou. In this case, she shows her quiet bravery.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: Full Book Summary
He was the valedictorian. I would have to disagree with this statement. She was so traumatized the experience Angelou stopped talking. She goes on to think that no matter what she does, her race will always be seen as less than equal. There is nothing so pitiful as a young cynic because he has gone from knowing nothing to believing nothing. Lessons are teachings in which you take on your everyday life that you've learned in the past or from experience.
She loves her grandchildren so much that she decides to part with them. Maya Angelou shared her personal tradict moments with over a billion people. Angelou began to chew over her being. Lordly and Dame Inc. She is very intelligent and is a great person that many children look up to. Maya Angelou is showing that even when you are put in the worst of circumstances it is possible to succeed.
Portrayal And Rhetorical Analysis Of Maya Angelou's Graduation
She explains how it feels to be discriminated and thought of as less than equal. The speech was more than words, and it inspired Angelou. Angelou begins her essay by describing how excited she is to graduate, despite the fact that she is one of only a handful of black students in her class. To begin, symbols represent the time period of the chapter. After a few proceedingss of her beguiling some less than elating ideas through her caput. Maya endures several appalling incidents that teach her about the insidious nature of racism.
Highlights and summary of "Graduation" by Maya Angelou.
The author was outraged by this condescension, as Donleavy seemed to be telling them all that they were destined to be "maids and farmers, handymen and washerwomen, and anything higher that we aspired to was farcical and presumptuous. Her speeches make use of words, which appeal to my raw human emotions, while illustrating the progress oppressed people in America have made. She is not only graduating from eighth grade, but she is also moving on to adulthood. Comparing Langston Hughes And Maya Angelou's Poetry 458 Words 2 Pages Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou were African Americans alive during the period in American history when minority groups were fighting hard for their rights and respect among the country. Instead, they will be given their own separate Graduation in the school auditorium while the Negro students watch from the balcony. She was from a small town in Arkansas and was extremely excited to be graduating. Maya Angelou portrays this theme of racism throughout her book.
Discussion Of The Essay 'Graduation' By Maya Angelou
She uses very powerful descriptive words to explain her surroundings, for example, Unlike the white high school, âŚshow more content⌠She goes on to think that no matter what she does, her race will always be seen as less than equal. After all, Vivian had warned him that she would shoot before pulling the trigger. The amount of emotions that you feel on graduation day is unbelievable, and I have yet to experience anything else like it. Being a civil rights activist, social activist, and role model for women makes Maya Angelou a historical figure who has made a huge impact in American society and in American history. Throughout the essay, she gives excellent examples of this, such as, Donleavy had exposed us.
At this point in the narrative. The nearest black dentist practices twenty-five miles away, so Momma takes Maya to see Dr. As a young girl, Angelou was filled with excitement and hope for what graduation would bring. Donleavy had really upset her. The sounds feeling and emotions that arouse during one of her most memorable moments in her life. Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? We were maids and farmers, handymen and washerwomen, and anything higher that we aspired to was farcical and presumptuous. Over the course of her lifetime, Maya Angelou was awarded over 50 honorary degrees and received the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
This contrast illustrates how Graduation day is supposed to be a day of celebration and accomplishment, but for the Negro students, it is nothing more than a hot, steamy room with no fans. Right after the speech one of her classmates went up to speak, his name was Henry Reed. She does not feel equal to other black children. Donleavy, a white man, gave to the graduating class of 1940. All was apparently good until Mr. She was universally admired figure.
A performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by the valedictorian of the author's class, however, gives the ceremony a renewed sense of possibility and optimism. Angelou delivers a very detailed, inspirational, and informative story of self-acceptance. Her childhood was filled with abuse. At the age of fifteen, Angelou began her career as a civil-rights activist of sorts. Although this may seem insignificant, their environments influence their opinions, Maya Angelou Graduation Analysis 347 Words 2 Pages During the period of discrimination and the civil rights movement persistence was key. Four years of projects, assignments, examinations, bundles of research papers â cramming so hard just to pass it on the deadly. Maya Angelou recounts the story of her early life, including the racism and segregation she experiences throughout her formative years.
As a result, without adversity, these talents would be left unused. In order to strengthen her narrative, Angelou employs imagery, hyperbole, and tone effectively. Summary: Chapter 24 Maya develops an excruciating toothache. . From the time that she is abandoned as a child and sent to live with their grandmother in Stamps, to giving birth as a sixteen year old woman, Maya experiences a wide variety of events and challenges, each having their own outcome and own effect on her state of mind.
