University of California - Berkeley
Explain the symbolism in Dunbar’s We Wear the Mask.
Explain the symbolism in Dunbar’s We Wear the Mask.
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Explain the symbolism in Dunbar’s We Wear the Mask.
The mask in We Wear the Mask is a symbol of lies and deceit, but not the type of lies or deceit we would consider when defining those words. The mask is a persona, a persona taken to hide true emotions. It symbolizes the way the black race was forced to hide their emotions (grief, sadness, and anger) behind a false facade in order to survive and keep honor in the face of oppression.