Group Questions for Maya Angelou’s “Graduation”

¶ 1-15, & ¶16-30

What is the focus of each paragraph? Is there a trait or societal value that the town’s
Black residents have revealed in the paragraph? How are the residents shown controlling
their lives? How does their self image (how the people define themselves) get a new
layer of meaning?

What is the focus of the What evidence do you cite What conflicts are revealed
paragraph? for this? in the paragraph?

¶ 31-34
Explain the change in narrative pace. Why does the writer slow down so? Carefully read
it, and note what the focus of each paragraph is. How does the writer’s use of sound
imagery (voice description) reveal her feelings toward her subject? Is there any subtext
underlying the surface description or speech? Do you see any veiled sarcasm? Why
would it be there?

¶ 35-39
For whom are these things intended? What does each suggest the speaker hopes for the
intended recipient? Is this appropriate text for a graduation speech? At that school?
Explain why it would be done that way. How is the speech received? What does the
speaker’s speech show he expects out of the Black graduates? Where does he put HIS
emphasis? Is this consistent with what the school board provides the school? What is
revealed about Angelou’s subject (either overall or specific) here?

¶ 40-41
Contrast the pace of these two ¶’s with those 5 ¶’s preceding them. How has the tone
shifted from those of either ¶ 1-15, or ¶ 16-30? What varied tones (5 or so) are provided
to the reader? What evidence do you cite for these varied tones? Can you show an effect
on the people?

¶ 42-46
How has the subject expanded here? What scope now frames the conflicts Angelou
presents? How does Angelou manipulate her narrative pace? How does this reveal her
feelings of her subjects?

¶ 47-end
Look up, print, and read each of the alluded poems. Read them and analyze how they act
within the framework Angelou sets for this account of her graduation. How are
Angelou’s attitudes either toward her race/the whites/herself shown to be more complex
as a result?