In the poem We Wear the Mask by Paul Laurence Dunbar, Dunbar writes, "Why should the world be otherwise,/ In counting all our tears and sighs?," what does he mean exactly and what is his tone?
In the poem, "We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, the lines you are referring to are:
"Why should the world be otherwise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?"
These lines suggest the poet's contemplation about why the world behaves as it does when it comes to acknowledging or recognizing the pain and suffering experienced by others. Dunbar is questioning why the world does not fully acknowledge or account for the tears and sighs of those who are wearing a metaphorical mask.
To understand the meaning of these lines, it's essential to consider the overall theme of the poem. "We Wear the Mask" explores the concept of wearing masks or hiding one's true feelings and struggles behind a facade. The poem reflects the experiences of African Americans during a time of racial oppression and the need to present a cheerful and content facade to the world despite the hardships endured.
The lines you mentioned highlight the poet's frustration with the world's lack of awareness or concern over the suffering faced by those who wear the mask. Dunbar wonders why the world remains indifferent, why it doesn't take into account the tears and sighs hidden behind the mask. Essentially, he is questioning why the world doesn't acknowledge or empathize with the burdens carried by those who hide their pain behind a smiling face.
Now, let's discuss the tone of these lines. The tone can be seen as reflective and introspective. Dunbar is contemplating the reasons behind the world's indifference and questioning the reality that exists. There is a sense of lamentation and frustration in his questioning, emphasizing the poet's desire for empathy and understanding.
To fully grasp the depth and nuances of this poem, it is recommended to read and analyze the entire work, as these lines are just a part of Dunbar's overall message.
In the poem "We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, the lines you mentioned are:
"Why should the world be otherwise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?"
In these lines, Dunbar is expressing wonderment at why the world should be any different in acknowledging the pain and suffering hidden behind the masks people wear. The phrase "counting all our tears and sighs" suggests that the world is aware of the struggles and hardships people face, yet chooses to overlook or disregard them.
In terms of tone, Dunbar's words convey a sense of resignation and skepticism. The question implies that there is an inherent understanding that society is aware of the difficulties faced by individuals, but it appears indifferent or unwilling to acknowledge them. The tone reflects a frustration and a contemplation of the real reasons behind such societal behavior.