Maya Angelou’s poem, “Graduation” was written to celebrate the hard work and commitment it takes to accomplish a major life goal like graduating high school. In the poem she speaks to the significance of this milestone, hoping to inspire and encourage the reader to be proud of their accomplishment and see the full potential the future holds.
The poem speaks to the idea that life has its up and downs, but the pain and struggle experienced during those trying times will pass, and that the possibilities and opportunities that come with the new stage of life are worth the wait.
Angelou encourages the reader to embrace the experience, seize the moment and make their dreams come true by facing any challenges and hurdles life may present. The poem also speaks to the idea of being resilient, no matter the obstacles and challenges that come, stressing the importance of self-confidence and reminding the reader how remarkable they are and that each person is capable of achieving great things.
What type of writing is graduation by Maya Angelou?
Graduation by Maya Angelou is a piece of prose, which is a type of writing that has natural speech rhythms and more of a narrative flow than a poem, with a story-like structure. It tells the story of an African-American girl’s graduation ceremony at a segregated school in the 1940s.
This piece of writing examines the issues of racial injustice and celebrates the courage and accomplishment of the young girl in spite of the obstacles she faced. The writing follows a point of view, almost a type of “stream-of-consciousness” of the protagonist’s experience of the day, where one moment to the next is a surprise and filled with emotion.
Angelou’s writing has a strong sense of emotion and imagery, providing a vivid look into the thoughts and feelings of the narrator. Her use of figurative language such as metaphors and similes adds to the beauty of the piece.
Graduation by Maya Angelou is a piece of beautiful and powerful prose.
Where did the graduation theme come from?
The origin of the graduation theme is a bit of a mystery, as it is not clear when or why it started. However, it is believed to be a part of the academic tradition that has been around for hundreds of years.
The theme came to prominence in the 19th and early 20th centuries as schools and universities began to honor their graduating class in more formal ceremonies. The theme was seen as a way to unify the graduating class and give the ceremony a distinct feel.
The traditional graduation theme includes elements such as pomp, circumstance, and a special focus on the achievements of the graduating class. It is not uncommon for the theme to include a formal dress code, marching bands, and other notable events such as the waving of flags, the singing of national anthems, and the presentation of awards.
The goal of the theme is to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class and recognize their hard work and dedication.
Many schools have also allowed for the graduation theme to evolve over the years, allowing for new elements to be included or existing elements to be edited in order to better align with the school’s identity or to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class in a new way.
This has allowed the graduation theme to remain an integral part of academia, while also allowing a bit of variety and creativity throughout the ages.
What type of speech is graduation?
Graduation is a celebratory event, often denoting the completion of a course or program of study. In many cases, graduation is marked with a special speech or ceremony. Typically, the type of speech given at a graduation is a commencement speech, which is intended to encourage, celebrate, and inspire the graduates.
The commencement speech is typically given by an esteemed figure in the community, such as an alum of the school or someone of prominence or accomplishment. This individual speaks to the graduating class about the importance of their accomplishments and the future that lies before them.
The speech often includes callouts to individual graduates, and inspiring stories and anecdotes to commemorate this significant milestone. Since it is a celebration, a commencement speech also typically includes some levity and humor to keep the crowd engaged and entertained.
Is graduation by Maya Angelou an essay?
No, “Graduation” by Maya Angelou is not an essay. It is a poem, originally published in 1978 in Angelou’s bestselling collection “And Still I Rise. ” It is written as a first-person narrative about a young woman who is about to graduate and is reflecting on her experience as a black woman in the segregated South of her childhood.
The poem reflects on topics such as racism, sexism, double standards and the joy and anxiety associated with the transition from childhood to adulthood. The poem does not follow a traditional essay structure but instead follows the traditional poetic form of rhyme, rhythm, and imagery, making it a work of literature rather than an essay.
What is the theme of the story graduation?
The theme of the story “Graduation” is the power of love, courage, perseverance, and ultimately, redemption. The protagonist, Mae Mobley, is an African American girl living in Mississippi in the 1950s.
She faces many obstacles in her small rural town, such as racism and prejudice, but overcomes her struggles by learning how to recognize and accept love from other people. Mae’s relationship with Miss Collins, her teacher, serves as the main example of this theme.
Through Miss Collins’ encouragement and guidance, Mae comes to understand the importance of standing up for herself and for those she loves. Moreover, Mae’s determination to succeed in her studies despite her difficult home life and the racism she faces at school demonstrate her courage and her inner strength.
Ultimately, Mae’s graduation marks her redemption—not only is she able to triumph over the obstacles she faces, but she is also able to hold her head high and be proud of who she is and what she has achieved.
In this way, the story portrays the power of love, courage, perseverance, and ultimately, redemption.
Where does Maya Angelou graduation take place?
Maya Angelou’s graduation took place at an all-black high school called Lafayette County Training School in her hometown of Stamps, Arkansas. The graduation ceremony took place on May 23, 1940 and was attended by fifteen fellow students.
As the only black school in Lafayette County, the graduation was a major source of pride for the community and drew many notable African-American leaders in attendance. Notable speakers included Robert LaFollette Jr.
, who served as the Dean of Nashville’s Fisk University, and Rev. Benjamin Mays, the President of Morehouse College in Atlanta. In her graduation speech, Maya Angelou spoke of seizing one’s future, clawing and fighting to become something greater.
The graduates, clad in their purple and white robes, gave their principal, Archie I. Calhoun, a standing ovation. After walking across the stage for her diploma, she happily declared, “I am somebody.
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