We Wear The Mask Analysis

Dunbar’s We Wear the Mask addresses the faults of humanity and the intersectional themes of race, society and class within the poem. The “mask” within this piece is symbolic of the ways in which society structures and organizes individuals to conform to societal standards. To support this theory - Dunbar uses the American Dream and slavery to remind his readers “we” wore the mask back then and “we” still wear the mask to this day. The immediate action of wearing a mask signifies suppression of one’s true self, and the mask - represents weakness and fear. This fear and concern towards survival within society relates to an individual trying to achieve wealth and status in America – in order words, the American dream. Dunbar shines light on
The line “We wear the mask” is an alliteration that is repeated three times within Dunbar’s piece. The repetition of similar sounds throughout the poem reminds the reader that the mask is never taken off. Through each struggle and every heartache – the mask remains in tact as it covers the face. Additionally, the following rhetorical question should also be classifies as a hyperbole. Dunbar states “Why should the world be over-wise, / In counting all our tears and sighs?” The world cannot literally count all of their tears and sighs and it is impossible for the world to truly be “over-wise.” In the first line, “over-wise” is referring to the world imposing on others beliefs. In many ways this line proves that society initially feels powerful – therefore, they see the need to change others. Meanwhile, blacks need a mask to make themselves seem and feel powerful. These literary devices are used to remind the reader that things may not be as they seem. Dunbar discretely places these devices to catch our attention and pull us towards what he believes is true. Similar to society – Dunbar tries to make his readers realize society manipulates and structures individuals to abide by societal