Graduation Essay

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Body Paragraph 1: How do Marguerite Johnson and other members of her community feel about the upcoming graduation? Why is the graduation important? • Body Paragraph 2: What is the effect of Mr. Donleavy’s appearance and speech at the graduation ceremony? How does Marguerite react to Donleavy? How does Marguerite’s attitude toward herself and others change because of Donleavy? • Body Paragraph 3: After Donleavy leaves the graduation ceremony, how does Marguerite’s attitude change and what causes this change? In the end, what does Marguerite’s learn about herself and others? Summary: "Graduation" is an excerpt of the autobiographical book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, written by Maya Angelou. While the book is autobiographical in nature, this particular excerpt is much discussed amongst literary circles because of Angelou's use of both objective and subjective narration. "Graduation" is an excerpt of the autobiographical book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, written by Maya Angelou. While the book is autobiographical in nature, this particular excerpt is much discussed amongst literary circles because of Angelou's use of both objective and subjective narration. Objective narration describes the culture of Angelou's local community, Stamps Arkansas. The passage depicts the entire community of Stamps preparing for, and experiencing, graduation ceremonies at the local black schools. Children are described as trembling "with visible anticipation" and the teachers have now become "respectful of the now quiet and aging seniors." Wealthy families will buy new, custom made garments and poor families will pick out their best and ensure that the clothes are freshly scrubbed and pressed. The passage is then intertwined with the use of subjective narration. Angelou uses the subjective form to describe her place within the Stamps community. She will be special as

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