Question

read the excerpt from \we wear the mask\ by paul laurence dunbar
(1) why should the world be over-wise,
(2) in counting all our tears and sighs?
(3) nay, let them only see us, while
(4) we wear the mask.
how does the use of caesura in line 3 help develop the meaning of the excerpt?
it supports the speakers decision to embrace individuality and present the true self to society.
it emphasizes the speakers opinion that societys judgments are important.
it reveals the speakers disappointment over how society judges others lives.
it shows the speakers rejection of the idea that society should have access to private emotions.

Explanation:

Caesura is a pause in a line of poetry. In line 3 ("Nay, let them only see us, while"), the caesura (the comma) creates a break. The speaker is saying that society should not be overly - wise (should not pry into people's inner emotions). The use of caesura here emphasizes the separation between what society sees (the mask) and what is hidden (true emotions). It shows that the speaker does not want society to have access to private emotions, which is in line with the theme of wearing the mask to hide true feelings.

Answer:

It shows the speaker’s rejection of the idea that society should have access to private emotions.