What are three examples of hyperbole in Graduation by Maya Angelou?

While "Graduation" by Maya Angelou is rich in figurative language, identifying hyperbole can be tricky. Hyperbole often relies on exaggeration for emphasis, but Angelou's powerful imagery often blurs the line between figurative language and literal description.

Here are three examples that could be considered hyperbole, but are open to interpretation:

1. "The graduating class of 1940...the light of the world." (This line emphasizes the perceived importance of the graduating class, but may not be intended as an absolute statement.)

2. "The white people...the only folks who were 'up' on the Earth." (This exaggeration emphasizes the perceived social hierarchy and racial segregation. While it's a powerful statement, it might not be a literal statement about physical elevation.)

3. "My heart...felt like it was trying to crawl out of my chest." (This line describes an intense feeling of excitement and anxiety. It could be considered hyperbole as hearts don't literally try to crawl out of chests, but it serves to emphasize the powerful emotions experienced by the narrator.)

It's important to note:

* These examples are interpretations, and other readers might disagree on their categorization as hyperbole.

* "Graduation" is a powerful and evocative poem that relies on figurative language to create its impact. Whether something is hyperbole or not might be less important than how it contributes to the overall meaning and impact of the poem.

The beauty of poetry lies in its interpretation, and what you perceive as hyperbole might be different from what another reader perceives.

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