An Unfolding of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s: We Wear the Mask Essay Example

and shades our eyes -- this debt we pay to human guile; with torn and bleeding hearts we smile," to elicit an emotional response from readers. By effectively masking the true pain and suffering of African Americans, the poem reveals the tremendous strength and resilience of its subjects.

The mask was an obvious exaggeration that many African Americans wore sarcastically to please white people, making them think that they were okay with the mistreatment they were receiving from both whites and their own community. However, the narrator hints at a greater struggle for civil rights and freedom, encompassing not just physical liberation but also equality, morality, and justice. Achieving these rights required a cautious and secret approach.

The speaker suggests that the oppressed individuals opted to conceal their genuine emotions from those who oppressed them in order to obtain power. This is demonstrated through the line "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." The mask was utilized as a tool of deception, a means of combating the psychological warfare of oppression. It indicated that the struggle was not solely physical but also mental.

The mask served as a means of deception, convincing others that their actions were just and aiding the slave in withstanding hardships with the anticipation of eventual freedom. The goal was to maintain this facade until achieving civil rights and liberty. Although exuding happiness, the author reveals an underlying layer of agony and grief concealed by this mask.

The speaker expresses that despite appearing happy, their cries to Christ come from tortured souls and beneath their feet lies vile

clay. They wear a mask to hide the multitude of painful, dreary emotions they experience. However, the reader is given a glimpse of hope and freedom for the oppressed through song, even in the midst of the harsh reality. The writer concludes by stating that they don't want the world to see this plan for hope, declaring "we wear the mask." This final line gives a sense of ingenuity imparted by the poet.

The speaker clarifies that the mask was intended to be worn until the attainment of equality and liberty for all individuals. The wearing of this misleading mask would lead the world to be deceived by their own perception and eventually deceive themselves. Although the poem can be interpreted as the African American community's fight for civil rights, there is no explicit mention or consideration of this issue. To develop this topic fully, it is advisable to utilize this essay as a research paper and anchor the discussion squarely within the framework of civil rights. Refer to the research paper assignment for further guidance.