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Dunbar's Poem 'We War The Mask'

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Questions for “We Wear the Mask:”
The mask that is described in this poem is meant to represent the hiding of the emotions and the identity of an individual. It references the idea that in order for one to survive in the world, one must hide their true personality, feelings, and in the context of this poem, their race.
The line, “[...] debt we pay to human guile,” is used to imply the feelings of shame and guilt that come with the deceit one commits when they hide themselves. When a person hides behind a mask, they become unable to truly connect with any other human beings, on the grounds that the negativity linked with the mask often prevents proper interaction, in which emotions are key.
In Dunbar’s original context of the poem, he uses “we,” in order to clearly state that the poem is created from …show more content…

This is due to the comparison between the author and dust, but is different from a metaphor due to the use of the word “like.”
The poetic device used in the line, “You may cut me with your eyes,” can be considered to be an example of personification. The line emphasizes the idea that eyes have the power to physically harm someone or something, while in reality they lack this ability. This attaches a specific human trait or characteristic to something that would not have this trait otherwise.
After reading Maya Angelou’s poem, “Still I Rise,” it becomes very clear that Angelou is proud of her race, and finds power from her past, as well as her culture. Throughout the poem, Angelou reiterates the positivity that she associates with being black, and she does so while inciting feelings of great power and inspiration. She will still rise, no matter who, or what, attempts to tear her down. Angelou makes it very clear that she will not be silenced, she will not hide, and most importantly, she will not be ashamed of her race or

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