Irony occurs when contradictory situations or statements present a reality that is
the opposite of what is expected.
Irony is used to emphasize an idea or reveal a theme.
To make an inference is to conclude based on facts and experience.
To use irony to infer a theme, you can follow three steps:
1. Identify irony
2. Determine what irony the irony emphasizes
3. Infer the overall message revealed by the irony
Read the following passage, and use the steps above to answer the question.
“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!”
-”We Wear the Mask,” Paul Lawerence Dunbar
Identify why the first sentence is ironic.
Which idea does the irony emphasize?
Based on the irony throughout the poem, what is the best inference of Dunbar's theme?
The first sentence, "We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries," is ironic because it presents a contradiction between the speaker's smiling appearance and their inner feelings of pain or anguish.
The irony emphasizes the idea that the speaker hides their true emotions behind a smile or a mask.
Based on the irony throughout the poem, the best inference of Dunbar's theme is that individuals often hide their true feelings and suffer in silence, putting on a facade to conform to societal expectations or to protect themselves.
The first sentence of the passage, "We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries to thee from tortured souls arise," is ironic because it presents a contrast between the outward appearance of happiness ("we smile") and the internal suffering ("cries from tortured souls").
The irony emphasizes the idea that individuals often conceal their true emotions and struggles behind a facade of happiness or contentment.
Based on the irony throughout the poem, the best inference of Dunbar's theme is that people often hide their pain and wear a metaphorical mask to conform to societal expectations, even though they may be internally tormented or oppressed.