Hughes and Angelou, both start out their works with hope and conviction. In “Salvation”, Hughes begins by sharing his excitement and nervousness as a child committing to something he didn’t fully understand. Hughes enters the church with a heart full of hope and an expectation of a religious awakening. The thrill and excitement of the situation was enthralling to him, and hope of salvation was high. Angelou also begins “Graduation” with a feeling of excitement and hope, feeling as if she is starting a new chapter of her life. The main difference in the start of these works is the realisticity of Angelou's graduation and the fallacy in Hughes expectation. While Hughes is sitting expecting an epiphany while awaiting salvation from the Lord,