Graduation By Maya Angelou Analysis
Languages and Emotions through Literature
In Maya Angelou’s chapter “Graduation” from her autobiography I Know Where the Caged Bird Sings, captivating symbols and literary devices enforce the words on paper to spring to life. Taking place in an era of prejudice, several symbols and literary devise disadvantages of injustice and segregation for the African Americans. Additionally, multiple literary devices and symbols complete the ideas of the pride in culture and unity tied through Marguerite Johnson’s graduation. Several symbols and literary devices portray acts of injustice and segregation that proceed between different races. For example, symbols show acts of injustice between the African Americans and the white Americans. …show more content…
To start off, the Negro National Anthem during the graduation symbolizes unity exhibiting how the graduating class stands as one even through Donleavy’s harsh words. Specifically, for graduation Henry, class valedictorian, chooses to lead Marguerite Johnson and her class through the song “called the Negro national anthem. All done in the same position and most often standing on the same foot” (3) The Negro National Anthem represents unity and pride in the African American culture. African Americans remain all in the same boat towards freedom and success as well as showing pride and confidence towards their race. As well as this, personification shows how even after feeling defeated, African Americans [are] on top again, “[they] have survived. The depths [have] been icy dark, but now a bright sun [speaks] to [their] souls” (5). Even after feeling pounded to the ground, together African Americans feel a sense of pride in their race. A void of dark sadness remains replaced with immense jubilation. All in all, both symbols and figurative language enhance acts of unity and
In Maya Angelou’s chapter “Graduation” from her autobiography I Know Where the Caged Bird Sings, captivating symbols and literary devices enforce the words on paper to spring to life. Taking place in an era of prejudice, several symbols and literary devise disadvantages of injustice and segregation for the African Americans. Additionally, multiple literary devices and symbols complete the ideas of the pride in culture and unity tied through Marguerite Johnson’s graduation. Several symbols and literary devices portray acts of injustice and segregation that proceed between different races. For example, symbols show acts of injustice between the African Americans and the white Americans. …show more content…
To start off, the Negro National Anthem during the graduation symbolizes unity exhibiting how the graduating class stands as one even through Donleavy’s harsh words. Specifically, for graduation Henry, class valedictorian, chooses to lead Marguerite Johnson and her class through the song “called the Negro national anthem. All done in the same position and most often standing on the same foot” (3) The Negro National Anthem represents unity and pride in the African American culture. African Americans remain all in the same boat towards freedom and success as well as showing pride and confidence towards their race. As well as this, personification shows how even after feeling defeated, African Americans [are] on top again, “[they] have survived. The depths [have] been icy dark, but now a bright sun [speaks] to [their] souls” (5). Even after feeling pounded to the ground, together African Americans feel a sense of pride in their race. A void of dark sadness remains replaced with immense jubilation. All in all, both symbols and figurative language enhance acts of unity and