Question

as you read, interpret elements of dunbars poem, such as word choice, imagery, and theme, that suggest the poem is an example of naturalism. the we in the poem refers to suppressed african americans who put on false faces and smiles. thismask lets them hide their true emotions from white people, and possibly even from each other. consider how the speaker uses a cynical tone to reveal the poems message. we wear the mask by paul laurence dunbar read this poem several times. highlight examples of word choice, imagery, and tone that suggest naturalism and cynicism. note the theme or themes of the poem. we wear the mask that grins and lies, it hides our cheeks and shades our eyes, - this debt we pay to human guile; with torn and bleeding hearts we smile, and mouth with myriad subtleties. - we wear the mask, paul laurence dunbar naturalism includes the idea that society helps form an individual. how does the mask in dunbars poem support that belief? the mask suggests that society forces african americans to hide their pain. the mask suggests that life is a mixture of pain and pleasure. the mask symbolizes an escape from society for oppressed african americans.

Explanation:

The poem "We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar reflects the idea of naturalism where society influences the individual. The "mask" symbolizes the false faces African Americans put on to hide their true emotions (like pain) from white - dominated society. This act of wearing the mask is a result of societal pressure. The first option "The mask suggests that society forces African Americans to hide their pain" directly relates to the naturalist belief that society helps form an individual. The second option about life being a mixture of pain and pleasure is more of a general statement not specifically tied to the naturalist idea of society - shaping - the - individual. The third option about the mask being an escape is incorrect as the mask is more of a conforming (to societal expectations of hiding emotions) rather than an escape.

Answer:

The mask suggests that society forces African Americans to hide their pain.