Maya Angelou's "Graduation" is a poignant and powerful narrative about the author's experience graduating from high school in 1940. Through the use of vivid imagery and emotional language, Angelou effectively conveys the sense of pride, accomplishment, and hope that she felt on that day.
One of the most striking aspects of "Graduation" is the way in which Angelou uses imagery to bring the scene to life for the reader. She describes the "warm sun" and the "bright blue sky" on the day of her graduation, which helps to set a joyful and celebratory tone. She also describes the "rows of white tents" and the "tinkling piano" that added to the festive atmosphere of the event. These sensory details help the reader to feel as if they are right there with Angelou, experiencing the joy and excitement of her graduation day.
Another notable aspect of "Graduation" is the way in which Angelou uses emotional language to convey the depth of her feelings on this significant day. She writes about her "shining eyes" and her "proud heart," which show her sense of pride and accomplishment at having completed high school. She also writes about her "hopeful heart," which speaks to the sense of hope and potential that she felt for the future. These emotional touches help the reader to connect with Angelou's experience on a deeper level, and to understand the significance of this event in her life.
One of the most poignant moments in "Graduation" comes when Angelou describes the reaction of her grandmother, Annie Henderson, to the news that she had graduated. She writes about how her grandmother's "old face creased and crinkled" with pride, and how she "hugged [Angelou] close to her ample bosom." This passage is particularly powerful because it shows the deep love and support that Angelou's grandmother had for her, and the sense of pride and accomplishment that she felt on her granddaughter's behalf.
Overall, Maya Angelou's "Graduation" is a beautiful and moving narrative about the author's experience of completing high school. Through the use of vivid imagery and emotional language, Angelou effectively conveys the sense of pride, accomplishment, and hope that she felt on that day. This essay is a testament to the importance of education, and the transformative power of hard work and determination.
Ulysses Everett McGill is a fictional character from the Coen Brothers' film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" played by George Clooney. The film is a loose adaptation of Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey," with Ulysses serving as the protagonist and modern-day retelling of the hero Odysseus.
Ulysses is a charismatic and clever con man who is serving a prison sentence in Mississippi during the Great Depression. He escapes from prison with two fellow inmates, Pete Hogwallop and Delmar O'Donnell, and embarks on a journey to find a hidden treasure that he believes will secure his freedom and financial security. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters, including a blind prophet, a group of sirens, and a group of Ku Klux Klan members, all of which are reminiscent of the obstacles that Odysseus faced in the original epic.
Despite his cunning and intelligence, Ulysses is flawed and often makes selfish decisions that put his own interests above those of his companions. He is prone to exaggeration and is not above using his charm and wit to manipulate others to get what he wants. However, as the film progresses, Ulysses begins to see the error of his ways and starts to put the needs of others before his own.
Throughout the film, Ulysses is portrayed as a complex and multifaceted character who is both deeply flawed and deeply human. Despite his flaws, he is ultimately a likable and relatable character who is able to change and grow throughout the course of the story. His journey is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the ability to overcome obstacles and become a better person.
