We Wear the Mask By Paul Laurence Dunbar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

We Wear the Mask By Paul Laurence Dunbar - Essay Example This paper will present an analysis of the poem highlighting its meaning and some of the devices used by Dunbar to enhance the theme he developed throughout the poem. From the title of the poem, We Wear the Mask, Dunbar introduces the theme that he wishes to discuss in his poem. In the first stanza, he highlights that the mask they wear serves to help them smile, and deceive the world that they are happy. The same mask serves to keep away their cheeks and eyes from the worlds closer analysis. However, beneath the mask, they are suffering intense pain and grief because of the â€Å"human guile† mentioned in line 3 of the first stanza. Evidently, Dunbar speaks in reference of African Americans suffering from the exploitation of slavery and other evils perpetrated by slave masters hurting the slaves. Despite their suffering, they mask their true feelings and pretend that they are content with the situation just as it is (Dunbar). The second stanza begins with an ironing tone because Dunbar asks why the world should make efforts of being â€Å"over-wise†. This is a pure irony because Dunbar makes it look like considering the grievances of African Americans is going overboard in the realm of wisdom. In his opinion, the world should only remain wise enough to be able to see their smiling faces because they wear the mask. This means that the world will never recognize the deep suffering experienced by the African Americans and will always consider them satisfied with their position as slaves. This also brings in the aspect of racism and the negative effects suffered by the minority groups specifically the African Americans. Although they are discriminated against, they are not allowed to voice out their suffering or even their ideas. In the last stanza, Dunbar highlights that African Americans seek intervention from Jesus Christ, who is the only one who can perceive their true suffering. On the other hand , the world never recognizes their cries