Question

how are the themes of \we wear the mask\ and \a man said to the universe\ similar?

• both show how humans can be helpless in the face of external forces.
• both state that large, powerful forces such as society are illusions.
• both illustrate the environment’s indifference to humankind.
• both demonstrate why people must hide their suffering in order to survive.

Explanation:

In "We Wear the Mask", people hide their true feelings (like pain) due to societal pressure (an external force). In "A Man Said to the Universe", the man's existence is seemingly insignificant to the universe (an external force), showing human helplessness against such forces.

Answer:

A. Both show how humans can be helpless in the face of external forces.