What is the purpose of graduation by Maya Angelou?

In the essay, “Graduation”, Maya Angelou states about the unfair treatment of whites against the African Americans during the graduation. There are situations in life where we feel discriminated but no matter what we have to gain the strength to prosper.

What is the thesis of Maya Angelou graduation?

In Maya Angelou’s “Graduation,” Marguerite Johnson’s sense of pride in her academic achievements and upcoming graduation is challenged by the commencement speaker’s stereotypical views of African-Americans, but a familiar song renews Marguerite’s sense of accomplishment while giving her a greater awareness of the …

What is the significance of the Black National Anthem in Angelou’s story?

188). Angelou during this statement refers to the Negro National Anthem. People proclaim statements, ideas, and opinions often based on the norms society has created. Even if men and women proclaim the words their culture and community has stated, often they can forget the true meaning of the words.

How do the achievements for which the graduation speaker praises?

How do the achievements for the graduation speaker praises recent graduates from the narrator’s school differ from the narrator’s hopes for herself and her classmates? The speaker of the graduation ceremony had hopes for the graduates to become athletes or some lesser occupation, while Ms.

What is the theme of the story Graduation?

The thoughts and/or opinions of others often have to be overlooked or else they’ll ruin every happy moment that is to come.

When was Graduation written by Maya Angelou?

“Graduation” Critique “Graduation” was written by Maya Angelou in 1969. Angelou was born in Missouri, but after her parents divorced, she was sent to live with her grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas.

What does sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us mean?

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; In these lines we get, for the first time, a reference to the very tough history that African-Americans have experienced. This history is a “dark past.”

What is the message of Lift Every Voice and Sing?

Set against the religious invocation of God and the promise of freedom, the song was later adopted by NAACP and prominently used as a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

What does donleavy say to the graduates that offends Maya?

Unfortunately, Donleavy’s remarks shame the black children into bowing their heads and thinking that they should not value their education and their graduation. Maya remarks that Donleavy “exposed” them. Even more insulting, Donleavy expects the students and their parents to be grateful to him for his pathetic efforts.

How old was Marguerite at this graduation?

4. Marguerite was 12 at this graduation.