1. "We Wear the Mask" is one of the most famous poems in African-American tradition. Why do you think it has persisted through more than 100 years of culture? Give examples from the poem that you feel are particularly resonating.
We Wear the Mask
BY PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR
We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,—
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.
Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.
We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask!
Paul Laurence. Dunbar, "“We Wear the Mask.”" from The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar. (New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, )
It looks as though it is true of most African Americans throughout history. What examples resonate with you?
This aged so well in this time of COVID-19.... lolllll
This aged so well during this era of COVID-19/COVID-19 in general... lol
Dunbar shows the pain that slavery and racism brought to African Americans.The reason the poem stayed popular throughout a whole century was for a bad reason:Although slavery was for the most part demolished the blacks still had limitations.The African Americans and the whites had seperate schools and hangouts for example."With torn and bleeding hearts we smile" is very relateable in modern day culture.For example,many people have trouble with money,but they hide it fro their children with happy faces and bedtime stories.Teenagers can have major depression that they hide from their fellow classmates.This is because they don't want people to judge them or know how they really feel.
To understand why "We Wear the Mask" has persisted through more than 100 years of culture, we need to examine the poem's themes and the elements that make it resonate with readers. Here are a few reasons:
1. Universal Theme: The poem explores the idea of hiding one's true emotions and identity behind a metaphorical mask. This theme of concealing one's true self in order to navigate societal expectations is something that resonates across various cultures and time periods. It speaks to the human experience of putting on a façade and the struggle of authentic self-expression.
2. Emotional Depth: "We Wear the Mask" evokes powerful emotions through its vivid imagery and metaphors. For example, the line "With torn and bleeding hearts we smile" highlights the emotional pain people may experience while outwardly appearing pleasant and happy. The poem is able to capture the complexities of human emotions and the tension between inner turmoil and outward appearance, which continues to resonate with readers.
3. Historical and Sociopolitical Relevance: Written during the era of Jim Crow laws and racial segregation, "We Wear the Mask" speaks to the experiences of African Americans who were forced to hide their true emotions and identities in order to navigate a hostile society. The poem's social commentary remains relevant today, as it prompts readers to reflect on the masks they themselves wear and the oppressive systems they may be a part of.
4. Literary Craftsmanship: Beyond its themes, the poem also endures due to its effective use of poetic devices. The repetition of the phrase "We wear the mask" throughout the poem amplifies its impact and emphasizes the enduring nature of the mask metaphor. The skillful use of imagery and symbolism, such as the masks and the sighs, further adds to its resonance and artistic value.
To truly appreciate the poem and understand why it has persisted, it is recommended to read and analyze the poem's entirety, examining each line, metaphor, and the historical context in which it was written. Only by delving into the poem's intricate details can one fully grasp its enduring significance.